1. BUT NOT THE HIPPOPOTAMUSBy Sandra Boynton
Irresistible is the only word for this wonderful board book in which a frog and a dog dance in a bog, but not the hippopotamus. This classic offers great animal illustrations and read-aloud rhyming and repeating fun for adult and young child alike. The surprise ending will leave you grinning. If you love this hippo book, as we do, you will surely like THE GOING TO BED BOOK and many others by Sandra Boynton.
2. ONE DUCK STUCK
By Phyllis Root; Illustrated by Jane Chapman
(Also available as board book)
There are hundreds of counting books on shelves right now, but few are quite as wonderful as this one, in which one duck gets stuck in the muck and a host of marshland animals show up to help. Two fish are followed by three moose, then four crickets, and so on, when finally 10 dragonflies whir to the duck. All are unsuccessful in their efforts until they work together as a team to free the exasperated duck with a giant "Spluck!" Expressive illustrations in earth tones bring the rich, rhyming wordplay to life. For another adventure in creative language by the same author, see RATTLETRAP CAR.
3. FREIGHT TRAIN
By Donald Crews
(Also available as board book)
Follow the cross-country journey of a colorful train--once you do, you will be asked to read this classic over and over, and it will be your pleasure. Bright, clear illustrations and simple text invite you to add your own sound effects ("chugga chuggas" and "choo choos") as you read along. Don't miss Crews' clever new companion board book, INSIDE FREIGHT TRAIN, in which the car doors actually slide open to reveal the treasures carried by the train. For more books by this prolific author/illustrator, check out his many other "things that go" titles.
4. WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT
By Michael Rosen; Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
(Also available as board book)
Based on the old camp chant, this picture book follows a family venturing out on a bear hunt as they travel through grass, a river, mud, a forest, and a snowstorm before reaching a bear cave. The repetition and sound effects encourage children to "read along" and participate in the story. Soft black-and-white drawings alternate with pastel watercolor paintings. After reading this, you may wish to re-create your own imaginary bear hunt through the house, at the park, or around the campground this summer.
Keep on going! Many of the books on the next page for ages 4-8 are great to read aloud to toddlers, too.
