Words and Pictures: Reading with Picture Clues

This combination rebus/picture book is an enticing illustrated dictionary of objects, places and activities familiar to most toddlers. Each spread consists of an expansive full-color painting and a facing page of text interspersed with smaller spot illustrations that help explain the action in the larger picture. Dodds's pale watercolors--depicting energetic children romping in the park, shopping with Mommy or playing at the beach--are a visual smorgasbord for youngsters just learning to recognize and identify common items. The large typeface of the text and rebus artwork will also encourage newly independent readers. The chipper spirit of Dodds's rosy-cheeked characters shines in this winning presentation. Ages 3-up. (May)