Quick as Cricket(PB)

This cheerful read-aloud picture book aimed at toddlers and preschoolers reinforces the concept of individuality and feeling good about one's self. The protagonist, a happy little boy, uses simple rhyming verse to compare his best characteristics to animals in the wild. "I'm as quick as a cricket, I'm as slow as a snail, I'm as small as an ant, I'm as large as a whale!" The boy's enthusiasm leads him to swing through the trees and sip a cup of tea with a poodle. "Put it together," he declares, "and you've got me!"

Wood's bright illustrations reflect the humor of the text. A fine introduction to the animal kingdom and the importance of self-esteem.