We Want Names, Too!

PRES-K-Leroy names the fingers--middle finger, thumb, etc.--and then launches the idea of naming each of the neglected five toes. The talkative toes of a peach-colored foot voice their opinions on a suitable naming scheme. Should they be named alphabetically? Numerically? By color? By music note? By fruit? How will the toes come to agree on a consistent way to be named? The board book format matched with bold, straightforward illustrations and simple text strive to engage early preschool audiences, but the concept that toes should also have names is likely to be lost on this audience. Many children in the age range for which board books are appealing do not yet know that fingers have names beyond, perhaps, the thumb and pinky. The book touches on concepts such as the alphabet, numbers, and colors; however, the letters and numbers are printed in a small cursive font, not developmentally accessible for the targeted audience. The book's ending tries to give the reader a giggle, but misses the mark. VERDICT This may elicit a first glance from young children, but it's not a necessary purchase. --Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI