Recommendations

Here are three titles featuring photographs, a contemporary leap from the usual board-book illustrations.

Let's Play! names some of the scenarios and objects of play--including hat, shovels, sand, and balloons. Each object is colored so as to stand out from the black and white photograph, and the effect is both conceptually and aesthetically successful. The two little boys in the book show up on every page, as we see them experience different play settings together.

In Hands Can, older toddlers use their hands to express emotions and participate in activities: "Hands can learn to tie a shoe./Hands can say 'I love you.'" Vivid photography of diverse children, coupled with the peaceful message of the simple text, could make this a favorite for your little one. After reading, your child might want to show you all the things her hands can do.

Stripes and Arrows is a refreshing take on the wordless photography board book. Each spread features real-world scenes that contain stripes or arrows--from an escalator to a little girl's rainbow-striped socks. Finding the stripe or arrow on each page will keep your child interested, while you can enjoy the sophisticated yet simple visuals.

Reviewed by Jenny Gillespie, Associate Editor, Babybug