Parents' Guide to

My First Animal Board Book

By Ann Marie Sammataro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

An edifying blend of learning and entertainment.

Book Deni Brown Animals 1998
My First Animal Board Book Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

This sturdy little board book, packed with an intriguing assortment of animals from a huge white rhinoceros to a tiny cricket, is like taking a trip to the zoo. Clear full-color photographs and detailed illustrations offer readers an up-close peek at a variety of creatures, from the exotic to the familiar. Ingeniously arranged categories stimulate readers' interest.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (34):

Beyond building vocabulary and animal recognition, this is a great tool to help young children learn to look for similarities among seemingly disparate objects. The leopard and the ladybug, for example, are placed in the same category because they are both spotted. It absorbs the attention of little ones. The book's compact physical design works well for the preschool set, and the extra-thick laminated pages make it toddler-friendly as well. It's an edifying blend of learning and entertainment.

This book, consisting of the animal portion of Dorling Kindersley's revised My First Word Book, is designed to give kids a head start on learning. Readers can explore a broad sampling of members of the animal kingdom. The playful organization, while not the most scientific approach, appeals to a child's sense of whimsy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the animal groupings. How are the grouped animals similar? How are they different? Try sorting them by different criteria.

Book Details

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