Teagan White

This is an absolutely precious picture book! The illustrations are endearing but nuanced, and it functions on several levels simultaneously. While moving through the year, it also emphasizes the sequential letters of the alphabet. I loved how the overall color scheme of the illustrations also shifted through the seasons-- it has a cool blue cast for winter months, and warmer reds and oranges for summer and autumn. The text also rhymes, though not with a strict meter. While simple to read show more through, this book also offers a lot of re-reading opportunities, as the sweet illustrations are so detailed that children and adults alike are apt to discover new hidden treasures each time they return. Lovely! show less

ADVENTURES WITH BAREFOOT CRITTERS is a dreamy new ABC book that includes enough twists to keep both children and adults engaged through multiple readings. It was written and illustrated by Teagan White, a designer, illustrator, and blogger whose non-book work is striking and appealing. This playful, artful book, with its gentle touches and lilting rhymes, could easily become a favourite at naptime or bedtime for pre-readers and early readers alike.

The book follows a group of friendly show more anthropomorphized animals through the cycle of a year, following changes of seasons and various celebrations. The characters include some that readers might expect, such as a fox and a mouse, as well as some surprising and charming choices. Every opening features thoughtful details that allow readers to explore and extend the characters and the story of their year.

One feature that I appreciated was that rather than concentrating strictly on nouns (as many alphabet books do), this text encompasses descriptions and actions: "We make messes with mud when it rains in July. But we take nice long naps in the grass once it's dry." Young readers are likely to identify with many of the featured activities and may even be inclined to follow the narrative suggestions for year-round adventures.

ADVENTURES WITH BAREFOOT CRITTERS presents a fresh approach to a standard form. It would make a lovely gift for a new family and would also be a good asset in a daycare library. Highly enjoyable! show less

This companion to "Adventures with Barefoot Critters" features lovely illustrations! More complex than the average counting volume, this one features adds a new friend to the activities as the numbers increase throughout. Also unlike most counting books, this one goes to twelve instead of ten :) Similar to the way that "Adventures" changes overall color scheme while moving through the year, "Counting" merges through orange, yellow, green, and finally deep purple as the narrative progresses show more throughout a typical (though busy!) day in the lives of these delightful critters. The colors are muted, but vivid, which makes them enticing but not overwhelming. Simple rhyming text leads from one number to the next, and children who can already count will be likely to shout the new number as the page is turned.

This book offers interest for a large age range: the test is short and simple enough for toddlers to hear, but the illustrations are complex and interesting enough to hold the interest of older children as well. The opening pages even feature a numbered map, and could offer map-following practice for youngsters embarking on that skill. show less

Seriously adorable picture book -- love the images, love the woodland creatures of it all. What I like most is that it is far more intricate than it first appears -- in imagery, alphabet and story. The story is simple, but does a fabulous job of following the year around, bringing in both the months and the seasons. It stays neutral on the the holidays, though, so good for any kid. Very focused on being outdoors and exploring and using your imagination as part of play. Lovely, lovely work.