All Sorts

In these two thoroughly entertaining picture books, preschoolers can learn the powers of discrimination and verification. Puzzle Doubles asks them to find differences between two mirror-like pictures and detect discrepancies of position, size, color and motion. Will children notice the disappearance of the rabbit from the magician's box? In Allsorts, will readers notice the recurrent patterns of shape, texture and shades of color? That some things are edible and others are not is a point that may be lost on some toddlers, but older children will appreciate the distinction. Wells includes answers in the back, which will prevent preschoolers from showing up their parents too badly. The colors of the art are intense and varied, with smiling, busy animals outlined in black on every page. Stimulating books, these are also just plain fun. Ages 3-6. (February)