Ten Tiny Toes by Todd Tarpley and illustrated by Marc Brown (Little, Brown 2012) begins with the ten tiny toes coming in to the world “a hundred times sweeter than one could suppose.” The text is sweetly rhyming: not annoying at all and full of baby-friendly metaphors and rhythm that makes it a delight to read aloud. The

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One Special Day by Lola Schaefer and illustrated by Jessica Meserve (Disney Hyperion, 2012) is full of metaphors to show just what Spencer is: strong as a bear, tall as a giraffe, loud as an elephant. The animals are not named but illustrated in bright and colorful paintings as Spencer plays outside and enjoys his freedom.

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My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall (Greenwillow Books, 2009) became an interactive picture book for us. Graphic designer Michael Hall has designed a zoo full of animals, each one created by hearts. The text provides similes comparing one’s heart to the animals (such as “eager as a beaver”). My preschooler loved counting

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