Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This is a pleasant follow-up to Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See?, with the rhythmic refrain changed by one word. This volume focuses on animals found in the zoo.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This immensely popular toddler book features a procession of animals, introduced by the same chant addressed to the preceding animal: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?”… The predictable format, rhymic repetition, pleasing collage illustrations, and systematic introduction of colors with animal names have endeared this book to children and those who teach them since its publication 40 years ago.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This is another unusual book like Crash! Bang! Boom!, but this time devoted to animal sounds.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. Crash! Bang! Boom! is an unusual picture book which, rather than telling a story, provides an auditory and visual experience of the world… The book is characterized by Spier’s lively, intricately detailed drawings and has a very appealing mood. It ought to provide wonderful phonetic practice for beginning readers, and will also be enjoyable for confident readers.

Age 00-04. 5 Stars. Bruce Whatley’s paintings bring new life to the beautiful old hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander, originally written to help children understand the opening of the Apostle’s Creed… This makes for a joyous read and is an excellent supplement to a child’s Christian training.

Age 12-16. 4 Stars. Most of my generation, when they think of Bambi, think of the sentimental 1942 Disney movie. But the original book was a serious work. Its one-of-a-kind conception and spectacular writing have earned it classic status… There is a clear sense that Bambi’s coming-of-age is defined by no longer needing to rely on others… In contrast to this message of isolationism, the Bible teaches that a solitary existence falls short of God’s plan… The romantic appeal of Bambi’s self-chosen exile has an especial attraction in our individualistic culture. Adults will need to use discernment about when a child is ready for this book.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. This fun toddler book recounts a simple family ritual in which a parent reminds their young child of all the people in their life who love them, ending with “Most of all, Jesus loves you!”… This could be a classic if it were gorgeously illustrated.

Age 08-12. 5 Stars. When Omri, a young English boy, puts a toy Indian in a medicine cabinet and turns a special key, the Indian magically comes to life… This is an entertaining, appealing story, in which an immature young man learns to take responsibility and show respect for others.

Age 04-08. 4 Stars. This is another of the Reys’ wonderful George series. In this story, George goes from one adventure to another… this book (while not a critical part of a home library) is certainly an enjoyable read

Age 04-08. 3 Stars. Candy caramels are made with nutritious ingredients mixed with equal parts sugar. They are tasty, enjoyable, and have virtually no nutritional value. They are very like this pleasantly written, irreverent and forgettable time-travel story… a fairly unobjectionable library read.