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CM . . .
. Volume XV Number 14. . . .March 6, 2009
excerpt:
Recommended. Dave Jenkinson, CM's editor, lives in Winnipeg, MB.
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I'm having fun on the 
This pair of board books combines two of very young children's favorites - the game of peek-a-boo and young animals, specifically kittens and puppies. The two books share a common format. Each of the five double page spreads has text on the lefthand page. The recto is actually two board pages that are hinged together with the board flap having both a photographic illustration and the invitation to "PLAY the game" by naming the young animal that is being hidden by the flap page. When the flap is opened, its underside carries the words PEEK A BOO! and, depending upon the book, either a kitten or puppy is revealed on the "true" recto. In each book's final double page spread, the animal image that is being concealed by foldout "saloon swinging doors" includes all of the book's four kittens or puppies. Excluding these final pages, the books' covers and their other four double page spreads all incorporate a tactile element, such as a kitten or puppy's "fur" or the "tread" of a truck tire.
While young children will undoubtedly come up with their own names for the books' kittens and puppies, they may also quickly realize that the animals' names are found within the text that precedes their being invited to "PLAY the game!" 
Patterned backgrounds, bright colours and sharp images will hold young "readers'" interests as will the books' tactile aspects.