Not All Animals Are Blue: A Big Book of Little Differences by Beatrice Boutignon

This French picture book is a treat in its innocence and freshness.  Each double-page spread features one page with a line of small, detailed animals which faces a page with five descriptive phrases – one for each animal.  Some of the matches are easy while others can be difficult until you match other animals first.  Children will enjoy this book because of the cuteness of the animal figures and the challenge of the game. 

Boutignon’s illustrations are small, clever and make you want to look at them longer.  Some animals have pieces of clothing on them, while others are more realistically portrayed.  The mix of the two is a winning one.  There are several figures that will steal your heart.  One of my favorites is a very cuddly penguin wearing footie jammies. 

A book to read with one or two children so that everyone gets to pick the matching animals and enjoy the details of the illustrations.  Perfect reading for 2-4 year olds.