Carnival of the Animals

Rating:
Summary: Carnival of the Animals
Review: I was a bit skeptical of this book when it was given to my 5-year old at Christmas, but I have to say it won me over. My son really loves it too, and we don't always have the same taste for books, so it's nice that we both enjoy this together. The rhymes are ingenious and the music is lovely. The vocabulary is advanced, but that's part of what makes this book so charming.

Rating:
Summary: what a combination!
Review: I've always loved this music, especially to help children appreciate classical music. But what a great idea to combine it with clever rhyme and whimsical art! My 6 year-old daughter received it for Christmas and enjoys listening to the CD and following along with the book at bedtime.

Rating:
Summary: Great rhymes, gorgeous illustrations - will age well
Review: When looking for presents for our three-year old neighbour, I found this book and was immediately enthralled. The illustrations are gorgeous and the rhymes excellent.

Some of the words are a bit too advanced for a three-year old, but when I read it to her the first time, she asked what they meant, so we got to talk about them, which is really good.

I believe the book will age well, in that the story, illustrations, and vocabulary are complex enough so in a couple of years it won't be a "baby book", but it also had plenty to keep a three-year old entertained. In fact, she was enthralled.

I purchased the book before I realised it was written by THAT John Lithgow, and am really impressed at how multi-talented he is. I will definitely buy more of his books for presents and, as my own young baby gets a little older, really enjoy reading them with her.

Well done!