Chomp Goes the Alligator

There’s a big die-cut “chomp” taken out of the side of this oversized counting and touch-and-feel book. The culprit? An adorable alligator who gobbles up fellow swamp animals from one to 10. A large pull-tab makes the alligator’s mouth open wide: “Four leathery, black beavers biting by the swamp. Along came the alligator... chomp, chomp, chomp!” With each new meal, the alligator’s belly gets fuller, growing colorful stripes from tummy to tail. Die-cuts feature tactile and eye-catching embellishments: a fox has a bushy red tail, a frog’s tongue feels sticky to the touch, and a hummingbird is shiny pink. A big “Burp!” and a pop-up surprise assuage any concerns readers may have about the animals. Van Fleet delivers another irresistibly touchable title for toddler-age readers. Ages 2–up. [em](Sept.) [/em]