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Clearly labeled
images of both familiar and special-use vehicles help toddlers build vocabulary.
Two introductory
pages of the general category “Around town” feature 13 common modes of
transportation: a bicycle, bus, taxi, tram, etc. The next pages sort things
that go by function or locale: in the air, on water, at the races, plus trucks,
tractors, and rescue vehicles. Building equipment and mega-machines get their
own pages too. Six to 10 somewhat static two-dimensional images on each page
are shown against contrasting solid-color backgrounds. Some include action to
talk about—like the stunt plane shown upside down, the fishing boat with fish
in a net, or the firefighter rescuing a cat. The rectangular layout and
consistent placement of the labels reinforce pre-reading skills. A double-page
spread highlights 13 “Vehicle colors” while avoiding sexist stereotypes. (An
ice cream truck is pink; a motor scooter is purple.) A page of “Make-believe”
stretches the imagination, with fanciful modes of travel: broomstick, flying
carpet, fairy wings, and more. “My things that go” highlights toys that move: a
trike, roller skates, a rocking horse, a paper plane, etc. The colorful images
and uncluttered layout made possible by an extra-large (11 inches square) trim
make this book suitable for both shared readings and independent study.
Ideal for babies and toddlers
who just go, go, go! (Board book. 1-3)
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