I recently received some of Melanie Watt’s baby board books from her series, Learning with Animals, published by Kids Can Press. My son carried these books around from room to room after we received them. One of the books that we received was the Shapes with Ocean Animals which was a huge hit considering our present fascination with “Nemo” (i.e., any fish that he sees anywhere and/or at any time).
These books are fabulous. First of all, the illustrations are simple and yet very colorful. I like the way Watt illustrated the book in such a way as to communicate simple concepts without putting so much on the page as to overwhelm the child’s senses. Her illustrations are also true enough to life that all of the animals are readily identifiable which is a huge plus as far as we’re concerned. I do not like illustrations which make you guess what the animal is. If mommy can’t tell whether or not she’s looking at a bear or a bunny, we have a problem. These books create no such problems. They are straight forward on every level but teach concepts using the very things that children are so fascinated by — animals!
From polar bears to zebras to puffer fish and pigs – my son loved pointing out and identifying all of these creatures. Because of Watt’s charming use of animals to facilitate learning, I feel like I can highly recommend this series. Better yet – we have the opportunity to give away one set of these books, thanks to the generosity of Kids Can Press. They have graciously offered to give away one set (5 books total) of their Learning with Animals series to one very blessed reader. And what do you have to do to win the set? Leave a comment, of course!
In the meantime, whether or not you win this series, you check learn more about them, as well as see other books by Melanie Watt by clicking here.
I think you will enjoy her works, but specifically the Learning with Animals set. If you agree, leave a comment and tell us what is so appealing to you about these books, and one of you (U.S addresses only) will receive a set of all five books. We will announce the winner next Wednesday.
Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.
Every child loves animals! To have books that are colorful, fun, yet educational using animals is very smart. I can see that these books would soon become any child’s favorites!
daughter would love these, bright colorful
Anything with animals in it is a big hit with my kid
these board books on the concepts look good
Really cute!
my son loves all animals
they look so fun and colorful i think they would really hold a childs interest
My grandson loves animals and books so these would be great for him.ty 4 the contest!
I live in the country and my grandbabies love our horse Cinnamon. We also just adopted a new dog named Gracie. They learn alot out here. The books would be welcomed as we don’t have television, so books and videos are our learning stops in the country.
These are appealing because this would be an interesting way for my son to learn, without the television! I would like to pique his interest in looking at books a little more.
both my kids love all animals and animal books
It is so much easier for kids to learn from something they love!!
cherylfrancisco@hotmail.com
I loved the illustrations. Very friendly looking animals and quite engaging. PErfect to catch the attention of a little one.
I like the fact that learning with shapes shows where they are in nature. Count me in.
my son loves nature/animal books,he would really enjoy this
Great covers on the books!
The animals will keep the Child’s attention.
My granddaughter would love these. Thanks for having the contest!
I love the bright vivid colors and illustrations. My daughter would love these.
The illustrations and colors look like they would appeal to any child.
These would be great for my young kids. Thanks so much for the contest.
The art work in these books is fabulous.
My little boy loves animals, and learning. These would be perfect for him. He’s 2.
Any way to teach a child something without them thinking or knowing your teaching them and making the activity fun is the step in the right direction.
just love the shapes of the animals. I will be glad to give this book to my granddaughter!
All kids love animals and are facinated by them. What better way to learn.
I love the idea of using animals to encourage learning!
I am really loving these!