Claire Belmont

"Whose Eyes are These?" is a colorful lift-the-flap book by Claire Belmont, where all the 'puzzles' are about eyes. [ Each 'animal puzzle' begins with a page that has a statement about how that particular animal uses it's eyes. This is followed by a page with a visual clue, beneath which is the answer.]

I had to laugh at the pages that deal with the puppy. The opening statement on page one says, "These eyes look for food at the dinner table." And then on the proceeding page there's a pleading puppy gazing intently up over the edge of the table at a plate of spagetti and meatballs. Of course, we all know that no one would ever feed a dog from the table -- LOL!!!

THE SKINNY:::
Big bright pictures will attract and keep the attention of babies and younger toddlers. (I don't suggest it for older children because the clues are so simplistic)

Personally, I like this whole series as they give babies and toddlers, and sometimes preschoolers, some great entertainment combined with something to think about. However, I must add that this is my least favorite of the four -- which cover Eyes, Ears, Tails, and Feet -- because the visual clues are so obvious. Although having said that, this book would be great for older babies and younger toddlers who need practice in identifying animals.

Other animals mentioned are a kitten, an owl, a cheerful green frog, a tiger, and a hamster.

A good, snuggle-read that gives parents (and other teachers) chances to educate and interact with their darlings.

Pam T~
"Good Books for Kids"… (mehr)

"Whose Tail is This?" is a colorful lift-the-flap book with vibrant color where all the 'puzzles' are about tails.

Each 'animal set' starts with a page that has a statement about how the animal's tail may be used. On the next page, you find a picture that offers visual clues; with the answer under the flap.

For example, the first page of the 'monkey set' says, "This tail swings from branches." Then on the opposite page you find a picture of some bananas with a few parts of the monkey, who is hiding behind the bananas, exposed. Then when you lift the flap, there is your answer eating a banana.

Personally, I like this approach since each page causes baby-or-toddler to consider the information provided. There is the statement which invites babies and toddlers to analyze the words, and then there is the picture clue, where they need to piece the fragmented images together, and finally the answer. These are all brain developing activities that will help with reading later on.

Other animals mentioned are a puppy, a horse, an elephant, a pig, and a kitten.

THE SKINNY:::
Big bright pictures will attract and keep the attention of babies and younger toddlers. (I don't suggest it for older children because the clues are so simplistic)

The book by Lobster Press is part of a series about tails, feet, ears and eyes which uses pictures instead of abstract drawings.

A good, snuggle-read that gives parents (and other teachers) chances to educate and interact with their darlings.

Pam T~
"Good Books for Kids"… (mehr)

"Whose Ears are These?" is so cute. It has what you would expect, bright cheerful lift-the-flap pages with puzzles for toddlers and preschoolers to think about. But in delivering the puzzles I think Claire Belmont goes farther and provides more information than most other boardbooks.

For example, for the Elephant the author writes: "These ears act like fans during hot sunny days." This is great stuff for little ones, offering environmental concepts to think about. Even for toddlers who might not understand all the ramifications, it's an introduction to scientific thinking.

For Preschoolers, you can build on this information and explain where elephants live and what sorts of temperatures they prefer, and how they and other animals adapt to the heat.

The other featured animals are a horse, one of the cutest bunnies I've ever seen, a lamb, a hippo, and a fox kit.

In each case, Claire provides some solid, thought-provoking edu-tainment.

THE SKINNY:::
Bright pictures will attract and keep baby's attention. With Toddlers you can point out the animals, the colors on the page, as well as read and answer the puzzles.

For older Toddlers and Preschoolers you can start to build upon the information provided in the boardbook.

A good, snuggle-read.

Pam T~
Good Books for Kids
booksforkids-reviews… (mehr)

"Whose Feet Are These?" is a cute lift-the-flap book that features entertaining composite pictures-- such as puppy with a flower pot hiding his face-- that should bring a smile to the faces of older babies and toddlers.

The animals mentioned are a Ducky, Kangaroo, Horse, Puppy, Centipede, and Penguin. The questions that the author asks about them range from simple -- "These feet are webbed -- to more thought-provoking -- "These feet are long and flat and have lots of bounce in them."

Personally, I like the fact that there are there are 'puzzles' at different levels as I think it gives a boardbook more versatility, in that youngsters aren't likely to 'get' all the answers the first time through. I also like that the pictures provide some background information. For example, the picture of the Kangaroo shows the red cliffs in Australia, as well as a boomerang.

THE SKINNY:::
Bright pictures will attract and keep the attention of babies and younger toddlers. The book is versatile in that you can point out the animals, implements (such as a boomerang, horseshoes, and leaves), as well as colors and the puzzles themselves.

A good, snuggle-read with some silliness that ought to appeal to little ones.

Pam T~
Good Books for Kids… (mehr)