I bet that you and your children are looking forward to another change in season. Warmer temperatures dispel viruses and lure us outdoors for more sunshine and fresh air! But until that time is here for good, consider this marvelous set of picture books by Rotraut Susanne Berner. The All Around Bustletown oversized board books take you through all four seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall – and let you follow recurring characters as they move about the city and countryside.
If your children like hidden pictures, Richard Scarry or Where’s Waldo?, this series is certain to please. I handed them out to my elementary-age children and watched them eagerly jump inside the busy world of Bustletown, seeking out their favorite characters and asking “What’s the blonde-haired lady doing on this page?” or “Where will the three nuns go next?”
They are fun to enjoy alone, or in a group. And the wordless pages will encourage even the youngest children to get lost in the artwork and engrossed in the lives of Busytown’s citizens. Vibrant colors, detailed cross-sections and people and animals of every size and stripe make for a wonderful literary experience.
Since this book is all about the details, my children quickly showed me a couple of things that piqued their curiosity, and that I would have preferred were left out, like the lady in bra and underwear peaking out from behind a dressing room curtain, or the visible cleavage displayed on many women throughout the books.
That’s really the only “critique” of the books, which really are delightful and colorful and have provided hours of enjoyment for my children, who’ve been inside a lot more lately (like millions of other American children). Each is 14 pages long and can be purchased on Amazon for less than $15.
That’s Good, That’s Bad by Joan M. Lexau, with newly created illustrations by the iconic Aliki, is a vintage children’s classic from the 60’s which employs the power of storytelling in true Scheherazade fashion. This time, the hero is a young boy who weaves an exciting tale to captivate the tiger who wishes to gobble him up.
Boy and Tiger embark on a back-and-forth story that’s really fun to read aloud.
“Rhino came back looking for me,” said Boy. “Oh, was he mad!”
“That’s bad,” said Tiger.
“I got down and picked up a stone and threw it at Rhino,” said Boy.
“Good,” said Tiger. “Good for you.”
“It didn’t hit him,” said Boy.
“That’s bad,” said Tiger.
Aliki’s folk artwork, featuring a limited color palette and highly expressive faces, pairs perfectly with Lexau’s cleverly told tale of the jungle. That’s Good, That’s Bad helps introduce young children to the story-within-a-story concept using appealing characters, bold illustrations, and a very unexpected ending.
Today’s book review sponsors are inviting my readers to try these newly released books for themselves by offering a giveaway! Details are below.
Giveaway: Prestel and Media Masters is giving away a set of these beautiful books to one lucky Zephyr Hill reader! Enter this promotion (open to US and Canada) using the entry form below. Good luck!
Our family loves books that have lots of details-we’re able to read it over and over and over, noticing different things on each page. These books look like ones our family would love!
My daughter loves reading to her baby. These would be books that she would enjoy
Those look like great books. I love the artwork. Engaging artwork and an excellent story are a great combination getting kids excited bout reading.
I love the illustrations in these books. My kiddo loved finding different characters on the pages of these books. So, so cool!
These sound like some great books for kids. My youngest daughter and I love to read. We’ll have to check these ones out.
I would have loved the All Around Bustletown books when I was a kid. So many conversations can be started with all that is going on in the pictures.
It’s so much fun to read or to read to our kids! It’s a special moment for everyone!
Thanks for the advice! I bought this and my kid loves it!
These books look so fun! I love books that thoroughly engage kids and provide hours of entertainment that’s also educational.
I’d love these books for my 2 sons -they would love them!
I would love to win these books for my Godchild.
I would love to win these books for my grandchildren. Thank you.
These books look so fun! I loved the Richard Scarry books when I was a kid and my kids loved the hidden picture books when they were growing up!
My kids are huge book readers. They spend at least an hour a day reading.
These books look like a good read. We love the idea of staying active with the kids. More so during these times.
My kids love any kind of seek and find book. These look perfect for our quarantined boredom!
I loved seek and find books when I was a kid. They kept me busy for hours.
Books are a great way to beat boredom. I know my daughter could spend hours with books like these.
These books look like fun to enjoy with your family! Especially in this pandemic. Having a fun time with family strengthens connection.
This is great! Kids will surely enjoy these!
These are some of my favorite books! My baby loved reading them by looking for certain characters on each page.
Lovely books. My kids would enjoy these. Thanks for sharing!