My Big Animal Book

I think pretty much all children like animals, Moo certainly does...well...she likes to look at pictures of animals and can identify them well, she's not so keen on them in real life (excluding NanNan's cat Fluffy and our friend's Lizard, Branston, of course...) her knowledge of some of the more obscure animals fascinates me at times. Currently, she's obsessed with crocodiles because she loves Captain Hook.

'My Big Animal Book' from Tick Tock is a glorious and coloured book filled with wonderful photographs of animals ranging from the exotic to the everyday. There are four 'sections' which are marked by a collection of animal pictures and facts for that topic:

- In the jungle, rainforest and plains.

- Under the sea.

- On the farm.

- At home.

Following each double-page of animal facts, the book goes into further detail on one or two of the animals covered. For example, 'Under the Sea' then goes on to talk about Whales.

Did you know that Humpback Whales are pregnant for eleven-twelve months (and I thought I had it bad)?!! Their offspring is called a calf (I did know that fact). Also, a group of whales is called a 'pod'.

The book is packed with interesting (some well-known, some not) facts about the animals it covers and talks of some that children wouldn't always necessarily know (like the tucan). The facts are given in short, easy-to-read sentences dotted about the page which is good as it goes along with a child's eagerness to look at everything and isn't just one block of text.

The book itself is large, slightly bigger than A4, and made up of thick, difficult to tear pages. This is great for younger children who can be a bit enthusiastic when it comes to reading. The only negative I found was because the book is new, the spine is very stiff and so the pages don't have too much give when turning. This will rectify over time and use, but I feel like I need to be observant of the children when reading it in case they get frustrated and yank the page!

The book is a lovely fun and educational addition to our library which both Moo (nearly three) and my niecelet (eighteen-months) enjoy looking at together. Niecelet points to animals, Moo tells her what they are and then I read the fact to them which then often gets relayed to my husband. Repeatedly.

My Big Animal Book is currently on Amazon for £5.95.

Clare

My Big Animal Book was provided to us for the purpose of review by Tick Tock, however all opinions and thoughts are my own.

You're All My Favourites

Christmas 2011 my daughter received a collection of Walker books from a relative, all 'bear' themed (actual bears, not my son). There were some good ones and some not-so-good ones, but undoubtedly my personal love from the collection was always 'You're All My Favourites'.

'Youre All My Favourites' is a beautiful picture book written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram (the people behind 'Guess How Much I Love You') and is a story of three little bears, curious and concerned about who out of them is their parent's favourite.

I have always thought this an adorable book, well written and with stunning illustrations but it's not until recently where I've become to appreciate its deeper meaning. Yes, it is relevant to all children as it reinforces the love a parent has for their child but I also found it to be reassuring to Moo given that she has a sibling on the way, and the feelings that may well be mixed up with that new experience. For a tiny mind, it must be terribly difficult to understand how their parents can equally love both themselves and a sibling, and I feel that this story puts into words exactly that sentiment.

I would recommend it to anyone with children under the age of five, but especially those welcoming into the family a new brother or sister. It has all the things a pre-school book should have; nice imagery, simple sentences and likeable characters as well as a clear message that no matter if there's one or five of you, you are all favourites.

Clare