Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Matt Phelan ★ ★ 2/5

This book is about a bear covered in thick messy hair, all except for his "no-hair nose". The hairy bear and his no-hair-nose traipse through the seasons, catching salmon, wallowing in blueberries bushes, gorging on tree nuts and finally hibernating. It is only then that the poor dear creature feels off-put by the nip of winter air on his no-hair-nose.

While the story has the potential to teach children about the different seasons, the illustrations do not strengthen the story, as they more closely resemble an unidentified fur ball splaying about than a bear. Repeating the phrase "no-hair-nose" throughout the story could also be grating for some readers. It's an unappealing concept.

Essentially, a furball rolls through the seasons and then a hibernating bear complains of a cold nose. It doesn't quite gel. Published by Harcourt 2007, retails for $17.95 CAN (hardcover).

My Very First Mother Goose - Edited by Iona Opie, Illustrated by Rosemary Wells ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5

This large hardcover book is a must have. Folklorist and Mother Goose authority Iona Opie compiled this gorgeous collection of sixty well-known nursery rhymes such as "Sing a song of sixpence", "Shoo fly don't bother me" and "Humpty Dumpty". Some are pleasantly unfamiliar such as "Here I am, little jumping Joan. When nobody's with me, I'm all alone", and this gem:

One, two, three, four,

Mary's at the cottage door,

Five, six, seven, eight,

Eating cherries off a plate.

These tender and ridiculous poems printed in large type are a perfect way to introduce young children to poetry. Kids will soon be reciting the short, rhythmic poems with glee. What could be an easier way to build language skills?

Rosemary Wells (author of the Max and Ruby series) has created full-page watercolour illustrations for each rhyme. Her pictures are elegant, thought-provoking and utterly endearing.

Mother Goose, incidentally, is not an author or even a real person, but a fictional figurehead whose name has been associated with children’s nursery rhymes since as far back as 1690. Printed by Candlewick Press 1996, retails for $25 CAN. 104 pages.

Go to Sleep, Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton ★ 1/5

This book pops up on bookstore shelves everywhere - but beware - it is not a winner. After one or two reads to a preschooler, you will probably have had your fill of Russell the Sheep.

In an attempt to lull himself to sleep, Russell counts ten sheep. The puzzling thing for young readers is that under the number two, there is one sheep. Over the numbers seven and eight, there are two sheep. When introducing a concept like counting to ten, this is confusing. But the most glaring fault with this story is the fact that it's about insomnia. It is questionable subject matter for a child's bedtime story, when it would be much better to introduce themes of peaceful sleep attained easily. The gray and blue palette makes the illustrations unappealing if not indecipherable.

As readers turn to the last page, a snoring sound emanates from a blank blue endpiece. The exaggerated sound represents a low level of comedy that kids sidestep and adults usually try to. Published by Harper Collins 2005. Retails for $12.50 CAN

The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr ★ ★ ★ ★ 4/5

It’s a 1950’s middle-class Anglophile world. Amidst the secure drollery, Sophie is the lucky little girl who has tea with a friendly tiger. The serene event is disturbed only by the Tiger's big appetite, which has him methodically eat all of Mummy's packages and all of Daddy's supper. With no protest from his polite hosts, the family simply go to the cafe for a bite to eat since their cupboards are bare.

A great bit of escapism, the decorum displayed by the characters sets an example of good manners that children and adults can aspire to. The concept of this book may not be relevant to kids unfamiliar with English-style tea-time. Originally published in 1968, it is still in print (Harper Collins). Paperback retails for $10 CAN.

Ten Little Babies by Gyo Fujikawa ★ ★ ★ ★ 4/5

Everything author and illustrator Gyo Fujikawa commits to paper is first class, so you cannot go wrong here. This twenty-page book has lots of content to discover and discuss.

While introducing the concept of counting from 1 to 10, the darling illustrations and minimal text provide talking points about what babies do and how they feel. It's a great first book, since babies love talking about and looking at other babies. Ages 1 to 2 will be particularly smitten.

Originally published by Random House in 1989, it is still in print (Sterling). Board book retails for $6.50 CAN. Also, look out for Fujikawa's book Oh What A Busy Day - it's out of print but a classic of children's literature rivaling even Richard Scarry's tomes.

Read good books and have fun

If you spend time reading to a child, you know how time consuming it is to find really good books. Every now and then you come across a great one.

This blog will help you find those best books for preschool-aged children.

Children's picture books are reviewed and given a star rating (from one to five stars) to help you identify the greats and avoid the stinkers.

Kids books can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Follow my recommendations and get right to the best reading experience for you and the little one.

Read good books and have fun!