5 Minutes For Books

Learning with Animals

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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.

Comments

  1. Wow, I am really loving these! The illustrations are so cute and definitely are inspiring when it comes to learning. 🙂 I would love to win these for my daughter!

    Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    Lindsey

  4. I love the cover image you show in your post, so if that is any indication of the style of artwork in her books, what’s not to love? It would be great to be entered to win the set for our new little one.

  5. We have the same book in French! It was a Christmas present last year, so it is good to know that there are more books and that they are also available in English!

  12. My kids have always loved reading and learning about animals. There’s something special about the way kids relate to them. My library doesn’t have these, but they look great!

  14. Most children adore animals and when they are illustrated so colorfully, they will love the books! Board books are great because they are easy to carry around for smaller hands. Please enter me in your fabulous book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi

  15. Anything with animals in it is a big hit with my kids. The illustrations look wonderful…I agree with you about wanting to easily identify drawings of animals. I also love the durability of board books.

  16. Her illustrations are so great! We’re currently teaching our toddler to count. Whenever we say “one,” he’ll say, “two…three…” (but he never says one). And he’s finally past the stage where he barks every time he sees any animal. These books look like they’d be perfect for the stage he’s at.

  17. I was shopping for childrens books a few months back and was drawn to her books. The illustrations catch your eye…the colors, the overall look draws you in…I love them !!

  21. These books look great! My daughter is working on learning her shapes, numbers and alphabet right now, so any books to help with those would be great!

  22. My daughter loves animals and this is a good way to encourage a child to learn at the same time.

  23. I think my kids would get a lot out of these books. They love reading and they love animals..a great combination!

  28. These books are so eye catching with the bright colors and animals that would I’m sure my grandkids would really like them!

  31. the bright colors and animals–my kids love to read and I am so proud that they have influence when the other family kids are around becuase they pull out books and sit and read and have quiet time- or read to the younger ones in story time

  33. I think it is great that the illustrations are simple enough for young children, but still sophisticated enough that they don’t just show generic animals: it’s not just a bird, it’s a toucan. It’s not just a fish, it’s a clown fish.

  35. I love the vibrant colors – and that the illustrations have lots going on in them. Thanks for the chance!

  38. The illustrations and colors are wonderful! I have 3 greatgrandkids who love books and would adore these.

  39. These books look so wonderful. What a great way to help children learn. I’d love to win these for my son.
    Thanks so much for this giveaway.

  44. What appealing books! The cover illustrations are beautiful and “cute” and will of course appeal to the young child. Animals are a natural with children. The concepts taught are right on target with what pre-schoolers learn. Put this all together and you certainly have a winning combination!

  47. These would be wonderful for my 23 month old daughter. The lovely colors and cute animals would be a wonderful way to reinforce her learning.

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