PreS-Gr 1—The minimal rhyming text in this sentimental picture book is accompanied by stock photos creating a contextually poor premise. The photos feature young animals of all types, from giraffes and orangutans to a cuddly kitten. The photos are accompanied by sappy verses like "Teach me to follow./I'll watch you lead./All these things/from you I need" or "Teach me to smile,/I'll smile with you!/Laughs and giggles/all day through." Young children will enjoy the adorable photos and the easy-to-read rhymes for an independent reading or a group read-aloud. However, better books on the natural world abound. This one is too simplistic to be more than a supplemental purchase.—
Nancy Jo Lambert, McSpedden Elementary Frisco, TX"Teach me to run / with speed and grace. / I love the feel / of wind in my face." Singsongy rhymes serve as captions for a series of color photographs of baby animals. Most of the animal behaviors--swinging, hopping, playing, sleeping, etc.--are instinctive and not taught, but young children will likely find the crisply reproduced photos engaging.
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