First Word Book

. Hyperion Books, $12.99 (148pp) ISBN 978-0-7868-1992-8

Readers who open the vinyl-coated, padded cover of Picture My World: First Word Book will discover more than 400 words presented in eight sections (including ""clothing,"" ""transportation"" and ""animals""). Crisp, clearly labeled photos appear in nursery-hued checkerboard spreads, and a pink mouse named Monty hosts the proceedings. Each page asks a question related to the pictures; for example, a spread with an artichoke, broccoli, pumpkin and green peas asks, ""What vegetable is carved for Halloween?""

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