But Not Like Mine

The concepts of motion and anatomy are presented with charm and appeal in these small-size books with gatefold flaps. In So Can I, each spread shows an animal in motionswimming, swinging, hopping, hugging. Lifting the flap reveals a child performing the same activity. But Not Like Mine shows various parts of the body, first on an animal and then, beneath the flap, on a child. The books feature strong, uncluttered illustrations with a friendly look and feel; in both, the titles serve as refrains. The only significant flaw in the pair comes in But Not Like Mine. In this book, the refrain emphasizes differences between animal and child, while the situations portrayed in the illustrations actually highlight similarities: ""An owl has eyes. But not like mine'' shows both bird and child reading books. Ages 3-5. (April)