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.
These books look like they would be great learning tools.
These books look fantastic with simple pictures and important vocabulary. Perfect for my son right now. Fingers crossed!
I love the idea of using animals to look at new things to keep the kid’s interest
Her illustrations are visually appealing and I know my son would benefit greatly from these books.
Beautiful pictures.
MY FRIENDS SON WOULD LIKE THESE HE LIKES ANIMALS
what a great book
teaching young kids with animals is the best effective way.
[email protected]
I really like how animals are used, all children love animals, these look like a great learning tool for little ones.
I think the artwork is great, and the kids will love the bright colors 😉
Thank you for having this. I have a 2 year old daughter that would love this! We are a huge book family and this would be fantastic for her. Thank you!
[email protected]
these books really look great…my grandson loves animals so this would be good and educational also. thanks for the great giveaway
They are super cute!
such a cute idea. I love these colorful learning books.
What a great and neat idea.
Thanks for all the great contests and prizes!
the bright colors and clear shapes are a definate plus in attracting children to want them.
Love the content and the beautiful illustrations
[email protected]
My daughter loves animals! what a great idea!
I would love to win! My friend just had a baby girl and I’d love to give this to her so her child would have a fun, adorable way to learn.
Thanks for the chance!
It is appealing to me that the books are simple and colorful!!
[email protected]
My grandchildren would love these books. The animals are so colorful and the books would entertain a child for hours.
My daughters love animals and reading. Perfect. Thanks.
I love the colorful animals and the illustrations.
they are educational
I like the animals and that they are simple and coloful.
Thank you!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I really like the fact that they are board books so kids can hold them and turn the pages without fear of tearing them.
Bright colors, and animals…2 things that my nephew adores…thanks so much for great contest!
Aww, my son would love this! I love how animals are included, it’s not just the regular typical learning books!
Love the illustration, would be great for my visual learner son.
Little board books like these are just right for little hands. I like the fact that the child is able to learn about shapes and science!! Hope we could win for our little 15 month niece, Anna.
The illustrations are gorgeous!
I love having great books for my two boys!
my grandson loves animals and i love to read to him. he will be 4 on the 22nd of sepy.
Great variety of books and a great site, I know my nephew would love the Construction Site book.
These are lovely durable books inspiring learning. I would love to give to my granddaughter.
I love how they incorporate a triangle and fish on the cover. It helps children to recognize shapes in nature. Great giveaway, thanks!
I like that the fish are really colorful. My husband and I painted fish in my son’s bedroom and made them very colorful so that they would catch my son’s eyes. This book would definitely appeal to him. Thanks for the chance.
This is a really colorful book! My nephew would love this! He loves fish and his bedroom has fish everywhere! Thanks!
Very pretty.
cute books! I’d like to send them to my grand daughter.
My kids love animals, so they would love these books. And the illustrations look beautiful!
these would be great to win .my kids would love them, thanks
The pictures are adorable and would really make learning fun. Thank you so much!
My grandchildren would love this prize
I love that the books have multiple avenues to learning. My daughters are 2 and 7 months. Every oportunity that I have to teach them something, I jump out it. My goal is to homeschool them, and so finding everyday learning opportunities is essential. These books are just wonderful. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, and appear as though they capture a child’s attention and provide a wonderful variety of ways to learn each subject!
These books look great for my two toddlers. They try to play school while their older brother is in first grade.
My grandkids love animals…what a great way to teach them to identify the animals.
The cute use of animals and shapes together!
great books
i love the animals they are simple and will be fun 2 learn with