First Discovery Books
(Scholastic $12.95 Score:) This consistently excellent series of small but captivating books give young children a close-up look at animals, plants, and other natural phenomena. Lift-up transparent pages magically change the images and introduce basic concepts. New for 2001 are Lions, Space & Internet.4 & up

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 1995.

Who Hoots?
(by Katie Davis, Harcourt $14 Score:) A witty companion to the PLATINUM AWARD winning Who Hops? This will be a hit with preschoolers as they answer the questions and learn a little bit more about familiar animals. A hoot! 3 & up.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2001.

Going To The Doctor and Going To The Dentist
(by Fred Rogers, Putnam $5.95 Score:)

With photos of preschoolers doing what must be done, Mister Rogers gives kids a preview of routine trips to the doctor and dentist. Though these are old, they do the job better than most. Preparing children for the typical events of a visit to the doctor or dentist can provide a chance to preview the events and reduce some of the angst. 3–7.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 1996.

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
(by Bill Martin,Jr./illus. by Eric Carle, Holt $13.95 Score:) Carle's bold and brilliant beasts and Martin's simple but rhythmic rhymes make perfect harmony! Young listeners love chiming in on the telling. Also see Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? A beautiful color concept book. 2 & up.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 1994.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
(by Eric Carle, Philomel $15.95 Score:) Toddlers love the repetition of the text, the subject of eating and the sensory fun of poking little fingers into the holes the hungry caterpillar has eaten through. A young science book that will also be enjoyed by preschoolers.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 1995.

A Snowy Day
(by Ezra Jack Keats, Viking $14 Score:) Peter's snowball may melt away, but the strength of this beautiful book reflects a child's wonderment with snow and all its sensory magic. Keat's collage illustrations are still right on target in this ageless picture book. Also available in Spanish. 3 & up.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 1995.

If You Find a Rock
(by Peggy Christian/photos by Barbara H. Lember, Harcourt $16 Score:) What child hasn't picked up a rock and marveled at its color, shape, texture? For neophyte or confirmed rock hound this lyrical ode to the many kinds of rocks to be found will add to the joy of such discoveries! You'll still need a field guide to rocks, but this will be dear to the rock hound's heart.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2001.

Pumpkin Jack
(by Will Hubbell, Albert Whitman $15.95 Score:) Tim finds it hard to let go of his pumpkin when it begins to rot. After putting it out in the garden he watches as it changes through the seasons. A nice ecology story. 4–8.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2001.

How You Were Born
( by Joanna Cole/photos by Margaret Miller, William Morrow $14.95 Score:) In clear, straightforward prose, Cole explains how babies are born. Photos include several babies in the uterus and being born. In addition to the text for children there is an excellent section for adults on dealing with children's questions and concerns. Also recommended: My Puppy is Born.4-8

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 1994.

Do Monkey's Tweet?
(by Melanie Walsh, Houghton Mifflin $15 Score:) Do horses bark? Do dogs oink? Older toddlers will giggle smugly at the totally ridiculous questions and gloat over how smart they are because they know the name of the animal that tweets, cheeps, barks, or...whatever, before you turn the page! From the author of Do Pigs Have Stripes? 2 and a half & up. SNAP INFO: Here's a concept book with a sense of humor! Do horses bark? Do dogs oink? Older toddlers will giggle smugly at the totally ridiculous questions and gloat at how smart they are because they know the name of the animal that tweets, cheeps, barks, or...whatever, before you turn the page! From the author of Do Pigs Have Stripes? 2 and a half & up.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 2000.