Toddler Story Book: Panda Big, Panda Small

Toddler Story Book: Panda Big, Panda Small

From School Library JournalPreSchool-Three oversized books with sturdy pages. Panda Big and Panda Small "do not like the same things at all." Their opposite activities are the basis for this story, but in the end, it is being together that "makes them both feel glad." Some of the rhymes are forced, and the phrasing of the last comparison is a little confusing. The pictures look like tempera paint applied with broad brush strokes; the simple shapes of the black-and-white pandas against the bright-colored backgrounds illustrate the actions well. In the second title, a young pig's wishes come true after he swallows a magic acorn, creating an innocent adventure that involves visiting the shops and having a wonderfully messy time with a baby. These pictures, done in pen and ink and watercolor, are colorful and busy with lots of details, making them best suited to one-on-one sharing. Caterpillar's Wish is to fly with her friends, Bee and Ladybird. Her dream comes true, of course, when she becomes a butterfly. This familiar story line is illustrated with bright colors, simple shapes, and uncluttered backgrounds. Cabrera's and Murphy's books will work best in baby and toddler story programs. All of the titles have an economy of language and the pictures relate well to the stories.Martha Gordon, formerly at South Salem Library, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.In a gentle introduction to opposites, Panda Big and Panda Small discover they do not seem to have much in common except they both agree on being together.