Boo and Baa in the Woods

The first thing that strikes you in "Boo and Baa" in the Woods is the unusual combination of shiny pages and soft colors. The sheen engages you and the velvety textures soothe. This is a small storybook for toddlers featuring the Landstrom's two sheep. This time out, "Boo and Baa are going to the woods to pick berries." The sheep seem prepared--they've studied a map of the woods--but when they get to the forest they can't find any berries. "Can someone have picked them all?" Boo asks. They take a lunch break and Baa notices an ant on Boo's sandwich. One ant turns into scores of ants ("There are ants everywhere! Boo and Baa were sitting next to an anthill!"). and they flee to the creek. Another challenge faces them as they figure out how to ford it. The book includes many of these discussion points for you and your toddler or kindergarten-aged kid: What would you bring on a berry-picking trip? Why do ants like picnics? How would you get over across a creek? A very funny set of pictures shows Boo and Baa pole-vaulting over the river! Baa's pole gets stuck in the stream, but she spots a field of blueberries on the other side! The story has action and age-appropriate interest. Although there's not a lot of humor, the story's action, age-appropriate relevancy, and lush, shaded forest (with details such as mushrooms, a frog, a pinecone, and the cleverly disguised anthill) are very appealing. Another simple story beautifully told and illustrated.

The Boo and Baa books are perfect for little readers - and the adults reading to them! The storylines revolve around everyday activities that little ones can relate to, and there is always a little bit of adventure, and plenty of humour in them - which makes the 4,536th reading bearable for the adult! The text is short but to the point, and can easily be elaborated on by the adult reader. The pictures are absolutely brilliant in their simplicity, but if you really look at them you will find plenty to talk about with your little ones. The facial expressions of these rather clueless little sheep are priceless! Get to know Boo and Baa - and fall in love!

My 2-year-old daughter owns every Boo and Baa book and she loves them all. Just tonight as the lights went out she wanted to know what happened to the ant on Boo's sandwich, a la "Boo and Baa in the Woods." Through her delight for these sheep I have learned that they are great models of cooperation, optimism and good humor. Frankly the humor went over my head until she showed me the light. Captivating simple stories for two-year-olds. Buy them!