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.
I think all children love animals so any learning that comes along with them would be so much fun for them! They look like the type of book that a child would go to over and over again because they love being able to “read” to you once they know the book.
The pictures are so appealing and my girls love animals.
These books look like they would really make learning fun. I love the illustrations!
My daughter would love these beautifully illustrated books. I think they would be fun and cute too!
I like it when books are so fun that the kids do not even realize they are learning. They just think they are having fun
the boys love all books about animals and these look so colorful
i would love to have these to teach my grandson.
The kids are nuts about animals. Will love this
My daughter loves animals! she would love these!
I think the stories are a great way to make learning fun and interesting for children using animals!
They look so cute! I think my little boy would love them.
Oh my!
I think the colors that were used would attract the children.
I like that they have incorporated animals into the learning process. I also love the illustrations.
Great illustrations and educational all wrapped into one. An excellent way to make learning fun.
My daughter loves to copy book illustrations. I think the bold graphics and colors, and the animal themes, will make these a favorite.
My little one loves animals and is at the perfect age for beginning to learn shapes. Thanks
just to cool
What fabulous books! The illustrations are amazing. I really like the Learning with Animals: Opposites.
Children love seeing the pictures and hearing these animal stories while they make the animal sounds! Thanks!
My youngest just adores anything with animals, and books are one of her favorite toys, so these sound perfect for us.
My kids love animals of all types and my son is in preschool so these books would help him learn.
These are so cute.
My niece loves to be read to. These would provide an opportunity for bonding and education.
I love when the kids can learn with out knowing it when i read to them……
I find that the animals themselves are appealing to my nieces. They love animals and books and books with animals.
My grandkids have always loved reading and learning about animals. Thanks!
These books are so appealing because they are extremely colorful which catches my son’s eyes keeping him much more interested for a longer period of time.
The illustrations are bright and would be appealing to little kids.
They are colorful, fun, and educational all at the same time.
My daughter is just shy of 6 months old and the things that hold her attention are bright, bold images. These books like they definitely meet that criteria.
These sound great, I’d love to win!
I love the illustrations
These are so visually appealing and would capture the attention of young children.
I love that they are simple and not so “busy”, so they can hold the attention of younger children! Thanks!
What a cute book! I would love to win this for my little granddaughter.
Thanks for the giveaway!
love all the animals, so would my son, thanks
Most children develop a personal love with animals from an early age. This book uses that relationship to help learn.
These look totally wonderful –thank you for the nice giveaway.
The animals keep the little ones entertained
These look like great books for my new granddaughter
animals are always fun, and using them in simplistic art form to teach learning skills is fantastic!
I am just starting to teach my son some simple concepts so these clear, colorful books would be perfect.
Great books–all kids love animals!
The books are so bright and colorful that it makes it fun for children to learn. Thank you for the great contest!
I like that you can learn about shapes and animals at the same time.
Bright colors, cute pictures, my kids would love these. They rate right up there with Baby1st TV.
They’re educational 🙂
i love books so do grandchildren hope i win
The illustrations look really great!