PreSchool-K ``Oh Dear!'' is young Buster's response each time thathis search for eggs on his grandmother's farm is futile. Thepattern is the same throughout his search: he looks in the barn, orsty, or pond, where a flap can be lifted to reveal the animal thatlives there, making the sound associated with it. The animal is notlabeled, so young listeners are called upon to make theidentification themselves. When Buster finally tries the henhouse,a second flap reveals the eggs beneath the hen. The book has anattractive, open look, with much white space and clear, large type.The animals and farmyard scenes are large, simple forms in brightcolors. Unfortunately, Buster and his grandmother are doll-like intheir circle heads, dot eyes, and red-spotted cheeks, and do nothold the same appeal. Lift-the-flap books are a gimmick thatchildren love, but these flaps are particularly fragile, and eachis hinged in a different place. Eager hands tugging at them willeasily result in a cry of ``Oh dear!'' before too long. David
This is a charming new story featuring stars of Cbeebies,Abney and Teal - an imaginative pair of adventure-loving friendswho live in the park on an island. When Bop finds a...something onhis head, Abney, Teal and their island friends try to find a gooduse for it. It's too leaky to be a teacup, and too holey to be aslide. It looks like a boot, but doesn't make a very good boot. Butnow everyone wants boots - so they let their imagination loose andgo on the hunt for brilliant boots! The "Adventures of Abney andTeal" TV series was created and directed by celebratedauthor/illustrator Joel Stewart. The "Abney and Teal" stories helpdevelop imagination and problem-solving through humour andadventurous play.
