Watch Us Play

From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 1AFull-color photographs of two lion cubs, and occasionally their parents, are accompanied by brief, simple captions in large type. The cubs play, call attention to themselves, and finally take a nap, reflecting the activities of many human children. The words are those of the cubs, "Look at me," "Watch us play," "Touch my toes," and can be read by beginning readers, with the photographs providing contextual clues. As a read-aloud, the text does not flow, but the sequence of pictures can inspire discussion.ACarolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, MECopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Kirkus Reviews Watch Us Play ($15.00; PLB $14.93; Mar. 1998; 24 pp.; 0-688-15606-1; PLB 0-688-15607-X): Two cuddly lion cubs take center stage in this charming work from Ford (Sunflower, 1995, etc.), who repeatedly selects just the right shot to advance the story. Children will immediately identify with the playful cubs who call to their parents: ``Hey, Dad, look at me!'' ``Hey, Mom, look at me!'' as they roll over, touch-toes, peek-a-boo, tease, tickle, tag, and take naps. The expressive full-color photographs are framed with a generous white border, making approachable for preschoolers this realm of tawny gold cubs. (Picture book. 3-6) --