Fantastic Feet. Kim Golding. New York, NY: Scholastic/Cartwheel Books (Distributed in Canada by Scholastic Canada), 2000. 10 pp., cl., $9.99. ISBN 0-439-10848-9. Subject Headings: Toy and movable books. Foot-Fiction. Preschool / Ages 3 - 5. Review by Liz Greenaway. ** /4

Happy Hands. Kim Golding. New York, NY: Scholastic/Cartwheel Books (Distributed in Canada by Scholastic Canada), 2000. 10 pp., cl., $9.99. ISBN 0-439-10847-0. Subject Headings: Toy and movable books. Hand-Fiction. Preschool / Ages 3 - 5. Review by Liz Greenaway. ** /4

Companion titles Happy Hands and Fantastic Feet are two new additions to the slew of pop-up books available for young children. With sophisticated artwork and clever computer graphics, the books stand apart from the competition. They feature pull tabs and touch-and-feel elements as well as potent scratch and sniff pages.
    The text is simple ("clapping hands" "warm hands") and geared for very young ages while the graphics seem more suited to slightly older kids.
    Parts of the books I liked very much. The pop-ups featuring real kids are very original (such as the clapping hands page in Hands or the girl jumping on the bed in Feet). However, I take issue with the claim of "interactive fun on every spread" as is emblazoned on the front covers. Painted textured toes or ribbons to touch do not make for "interactive fun," as my three year old and "test reader" would concur. While aesthetically appealing, these books are big on gimmick but short on substance. They would make a fine gift purchase for an individual child, but they would not stand up for library or classroom use.

Recommended with reservations.

Liz Greenaway is a former bookseller living in Edmonton, AB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - November 3, 2000.

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