SITTING

A bemused teddy bear illustrates 15 ways to sit.

Energy, humor, and flawless design provide just enough
information to engage toddlers. On the left-hand page, bold black type stands out
against a white background. On the right, uncluttered illustrations effectively
position patterns and primary colors against solid backgrounds. Scenes
alternate between familiar and fanciful situations. Though the bear’s mouth
rarely changes, subtle shifts of the eyes make its face surprisingly expressive,
whether it’s waiting for a hot drink to cool, relaxing in an inflatable pool,
or peering glumly from under an umbrella. Minor changes to the bear’s wardrobe
add details about each activity. When “sitting in the garden” surrounded by
flowers, the bear sports a broad-brimmed hat, but when “sitting in a car,” it
wears a racer’s cap and natty striped scarf. A white sailor hat is appropriate
for “sitting in a boat”; a white-and-yellow–striped shirt both complements and
contrasts with the blue-and-white–striped sail. An arm draped around a
companion bunny makes the more-abstract concept “sitting with a friend” clear. Going, which publishes simultaneously, features
the same gentle humor, with the bear “going fast” (on a skateboard), “slow” (on
a turtle), “to the doctor” (with both lollipop and thermometer), “to the
bathroom,” etc.

Definitely worth getting. (Board book. 1-3)