Bear Has a Belly by Jane Whittingham. Pajama Press, 2022. 9781772782684
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Board book
Genre: Concepts/bodies
What did you like about the book? What a great book about body parts for the young child! Sharp, vivid closeup photographs of animals and kids demonstrate that they both have ears, eyes, a nose, etc. Simple, sing-song text invites the reader to interact with the book. On the verso: “Frog has a tongue – / A long, sticky tongue. / Frog has a tongue.” (A close view of a frog with its tongue out), and on the recto: “I do too!” (A little girl sticks her tongue out.) Who doesn’t like to help a toddler find their eyes, their cheeks, or their belly?!
Animals shown are familiar to little kids, such as a rabbit, a squirrel or a bear, and the kids are a nicely diverse crew, with different skin colors, races, and abilities. The book is larger than a standard board book, which would make it perfect for story time. A page at the end suggests movement activities.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Perfect for families with babies or toddlers, and for caregivers, especially those who like photographic books.
Who should buy this book? Daycare centers and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Board books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Near the top
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: December 13, 2022
Youth Services Book Review 
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