The Big Book of Words and Pictures

Swedish author/illustrator Könnecke delivers an oversize visual encyclopedia filled with labeled cartoon images of common animals and objects, as well as introductions to concepts including colors, letters, and numbers. The spreads are loosely organized by themes like musical instruments, food, and sea life, while mice, elephants, and other animals engage in a plethora of activities. In a vehicle-themed spread, firefighters rush to put out a doghouse fire; in a spread about sports, a stork rides a unicycle and a cat dances ballet. Like Richard Scarry’s work, there are miniature narratives to be uncovered on every page. Ages 1–up. (Mar.)