The Bare Naked Book (Annick Toddler Series) - Softcover

by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Heather Collins

PreS The shock value of this title is largely undeserved. The book is actually an introduction to the parts of the body for young children. A page or two is devoted to each feature, which is displayed in a number of ways. ``Noses,'' for example, shows runny noses, itchy noses, blowing noses, and advises, ``Don't pick your nose.'' Slightly stiff illustrations show children and adults in everyday situations with accompanying descriptive phrases``Pushing arms,'' ``Yummy toes,'' etc. The organization of the text is somewhat illogical, with shoulders followed by belly buttons and nipples followed by arms. There are relatively few ``bare naked'' bodies, all belonging to babies or small children. Genitals are clearly displayed; a bathtime scene makes a comfortably natural setting. Although the artwork is mediocre, the concept is well done. This approach is a good one for older toddlers and preschoolers who are becoming aware of others' bodies as well as their own; it has the added bonus of descriptive adjectives which are useful for vocabulary building. Sally Kilroy's Babies' Bodies (Four Winds, 1984) is aimed at a younger audience and is less detailed. Lucy Young Clem, Evansville-Vanderburgh County Public Library, Ind.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.