Welcome in Spring with a Good Book -- Gyo Fujikawa's Little Library (Children's Book Review)

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Children's Books; Brdbk edition (August 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402785666
• ISBN-13: 978-1402785665
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.6 x 2 inches
• Buy now at Amazon for only $6.95.

Summary:

Gyo Fujikawa's adorable animals and children are available for the first time in a four-book, mini boxed set.

Little babies like to look at other little babies--and this multicultural group of adorable infants is simply irresistible. Gyo Fujikawa captures them playing with toys and each other, sweetly napping, and above all GROWING! Four tiny little board books perfect for tiny hands feature a treasure-trove of art and text compiled from five of Fujikawa's best-loved classics--all packaged in a handsome gift-giving slipcase.

My Thoughts:

Savannah loves these little books, as they are easy to hold and flip through.  And, I am loving their small size.  I can throw the entire box into my diaper bag, and pull out when we are out and about, and I need to find a way to entertain her.  Just the other day, I caught Savannah showing the books to Arabella, and babbling, like she was reading to her.  It was so cute.    This 4-mini board book set includes the following titles, "Hug Time," "Friend Time," "Animal Time" and "Play Time."  Each sturdy board book contains 10 pages, with a short sentence on each.  So, even toddlers with short attention spans will sit still long enough to have you read them one of these fun and quick short stories.  

If you are unfamiliar with Gyo Fujikawa's work, then you definitely have to check out this cute collection.  The illustrations alone will make you smile, as she does an amazing job in illustrating happy and adorable children, of all races and nations.  If you were a fan of Disney's Fantasia book growing up, then you have seen Gyo's work, as she designed this.  This board book set will give you a taste of the wonderful work that has made this author/illustrator for many years, and the reason why her work has been translated into 17 languages, and read in more than 22 countries.  Both parent and child will love reading these cute stories together, and talking about the children and scenes that Gyo brings to life on each page.  If you are like me, you will end up picking up a few more of Gyo Gujikawa's books after reading the four books in the this little library set.  

About the Author:

Gyo Fujikawa (1908-1999) made a career in the advertising world and also enjoyed a lengthy stint at the Walt Disney Studios, where she designed the large book version of Fantasia. In 1957, she illustrated her first picture book, A Child's Garden of Verses. Many other followed, some of which she also wrote. Babies, published in 1963, stands as a landmark: it was the first children's book to depict infants of different races and nations sharing growing experiences. Fujikawa's books have been translated into 17 languages and are read in more than 22 countries.

Disclosure:  I was this book set from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.