The Handiest Things in the World
PreSchool-Grade 1—This fresh take on an often-overlooked appendage compares hands with everyday tools. Eating with fingers and then with chopsticks, walking a dog off a leash and then on, catching an insect with bare hands and then in a net, and digging with and without a trowel are a few of the 17 varied, engaging, and child-centered activities included. Each spread presents one activity. Youngsters are shown performing the task first by hand and then using the comparable tool. The parting page reminds readers that there is no substitute for hand-holding. The snappy, rhyming, oversize text is placed strategically to allow maximum legibility. The beautifully crafted photos highlight the children's hands through the use of short depth of focus and careful composition. Sized for group use, this title will provide numerous topics for exploration and discussion. It will work well for a one-on-one snuggle, too.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.