I Spy Little Bunnies by Jean Marzollo, illustrated by Walter Wick.

This is a charming board book version of the popular I Spy series.  The puzzles have been made easier by simplifying the graphical elements.  The rhymes by Marzollo have also been made simpler.  Photographs have been mixed in with the text so they are rebus-like, perfect for emergent readers to begin to understand how reading works.  The puzzle and game aspect of the book may draw in more reluctant beginning readers who will not realize they are learning about reading while they play.

Dog Food and Baby Food by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers are charming board book versions of their whimsical, magical vegetable characters.  From ducklings made of potatoes to banana giraffes to brocolli  poodles, readers will be welcomed into a bright colored world of puns.  Parents can get very tired of overly sweet board books that lack a real sense of humor.  Point them to these books, though I don’t think it will be necessary.  One look at the covers of these books will have them in the hands of both parents and children in seconds.  Make sure you stock the earlier books by these talented authors as well, there will be requests!