That’s life Educational books

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 12

That’s life Educational books

“What Do I See?” and “What Do I Touch?”by Harriet Ziefert and Mavis Smith are two on a series of beginner books in the five senses published by Collins under the Carnival imprint. At $5.95 for a hardback, they are good value, and children will enjoy opening the clever cut-out covers. Not all parents, however, will be keen on the American vocabulary and simplistic illustrations.

“Opposites of Things” by Althea and “Some of Us” by Liljana Rylands are both paperbacks in the Dinosaur Fun Facts series published by Collins at $6.95. Althea’s is a straightforward up-and-down, in-and-out affair with good-hum-oured cartoon style illustrations by Frances Cony. “Some of Us” is more sophisticated, applying the idea of opposites to people and concluding that it takes all sorts to make the world go round. The simple, rhyming text is expanded by the author’s lively illustrations, which should appeal in their detail in spite of their traditional, European flavour.

Ann Morris and Jan Lewis’s book of similies, “Big as a Skyscraper” (Collins Picture Lions, $7.50), is warm and colourful and fun, with some ingenious new comparisons among the tried and true — and a lovely bedtime ending.

Allan Ahlberg’s “Mrs Plug the Plumber” (Puffin, $6.99) in the “Happy Families” series, has got a deserved fifth reprinting. The role reversal is nicely handled, and the story cleverly combines information, humour and drama. Joe Wright’s lively, colourful cartoon-style illustrations match the mood delightfully.

“I Have Eczema” by Althea, published by Collins in the Dinosaur “Talk It Over” series ($6.95, paperback) uses a simple, sympathetic text and attractive watercolours by Sarah Altham to explain what eczema is and how children can learn to live with it. As the series title suggests, the book would be useful as a discussion tool for affected children and their parents. It was produced in conjunction with the National Eczema Society in Britain.