Adventures with Animals
At a very early age, children show an interest in animals - both real and make believe. It may be the family pet that catches an infant's attention, or an early trip to the zoo, a farm or an aquarium. It's not unusual for a toddler to know the names of many animals, and stuffed animals find a place in the hearts of children even in the elementary years.
Animals are favorite characters in children's books. Sometimes they are portrayed as just who they are - a dog is a dog - but sometimes they embark on flights of fancy with qualites that are human-like and beyond.
Little White Rabbit is a curious bunny who wonders what it would be like to resemble the things he sees - green like the grass, tall like the trees. This simple story with lovely illustrations can be a wonderful vehicle for conversation with very young children.
Lisa, the star of I Want a Dog!, cannot convince her parents to get a dog, even though she tries to persuade them with her best (and worst!) behavior. Finally, she comes up with an ingenious idea that might be just the right answer for many families who will enjoy this book.
Chapter by chapter, young fredle takes us on a thrilling journey as he ventures where no house mouse should go - outside. Fredle meets friend and foe in the world he discovers, and just like Little White Rabbit, finds the importance and safety of home.
Like so many children's books about animals, these three offer youngsters to opportunity to explore ideas, feelings, and adventures. Good writing and well-aligned illustrations offer child-size glimpses of curiosity, compromise, and courage.
By Susan C. Brenner, EdD.
Susan Brenner, EdD, is senior vice president of operations
and has been with Bright Horizons for more than 18 years.
As a contributor to the Growing Readers Review since its
inception, Susan loves the discussion of great children's literature.
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