Animalia (Picture Puffins)

I loved this book as a child. I pored over each detail of the intricate imagery, discovering something new each time. If I saw something I didn't know what it was, I'd go figure it out. So not only was this book entertaining, but it was also educational too. Decades later, after having children of my own, I sought to find this book again for them. My current 2.5 year old loves this book as well for the same reasons. It is a timeless addition to any book collection and I would recommend it to anyone with children.

I've loved this book since I was a kid and been so happy to share it with my friends' kids as they grow up. I must have bought a dozen copies, because I remember so vividly how gigantic the pages seemed when I was 3 or 4, looking through the pages and becoming completely engrossed in the scenes. "C" is definitely my favorite because my name starts with C, but the book overall is just enchanting, and even in the past few years as I've re-read it I've seen new things I never noticed before for each letter. Will say there are a few obviously Australian terms but overall translates very easily to American English and brings me joy every time I open it.

Love this book... been buying it for gifts since my kids were little in the 80's

Gave this to nephew and he loved it. Had bought it years ago for grandson. Don't know who enjoys it most, me or them.

Bought this as a Nostalgia item and came in great condition; would recommend anyone to purchase this.

This author has great verse and the illustrations are fantastic. The book originally was a larger size and, the colors of the illustrations were beautiful. The current smaller size is fine but, the colors are off.

I've been buying this book for over 30 years for children. The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and completely delightful. Finding the little boy on each page adds to the discovery of adults and children. I'm even giving it to the children whose parents received it when they were little.Be aware that the author is Australian and some of the items are confusing. For example, on the C page, there's a spool of thread, because thread there is called "cotton" in Australia. The D page has a WW1soldier with an unusual hat as he's a "digger."Every time the book is examined new items can be found!

First off, our family LOVES anything Graeme Base, this book does not disappoint. The rich illustrations, the vocabulary, the hidden pictures (What else can you find that starts with L?), the alliteration... all of it is here. A child can spend hours on this book, and it's a great way to spend time with the kids. His books offer much for a reluctant readers.Second, I was looking for the 25th anniversary edition online and somehow happened upon this listing (I didn't find it through Amazon search engine). The listing didn't mention the book being 25th Anniversary Edition, but I bought it (for much cheaper than anywhere else online) because the picture showed the 25th Anniversary Edition. It arrived today and I was thrilled that it was indeed the anniversary edition. This particular edition comes with a poster on the inside of the jacket "that holds a riddle to be solved."As a side note, I saw this book at a local big box book store and was very disappointed in cover of the paperback. It looked like a poor photocopy. So, if you're trying to decide between paperback and hardcover, I would recommend hardcover... and buy it now while the 25th Edition is still being sold (look at the picture, you'll see "25th Anniversary Edition" at the top of the cover if it is).Also, in regards to the negative reviews.... I use anything that shocks me as a teachable moment with my child. How can I teach them to deal with the emotions associated with being exposed to something unusual? There is no doubt in my mind that my children are exposed to so many things that I would prefer them not to be exposed to on a daily basis. I don't set out to shelter them from these things, but offer advice and talk about the 'weird' things we see and that happen to us on a daily basis. It is our job as parents to prepare our kids for the Big World out there. Trust me, this book will not harm your child... get it.

This is a reprint of the original that is missing portions of the original book. Whatever they've done has removed the borders of the original pages. So the pages are misaligned and missing the images and words that were too close to the edge of the page. The publishing information is missing possibly because Puffin didn't want to be associated with this atrocious product. Returning it unread.

This is just the book printed out and bound - the image quality is awful, the cover is pixelated, there’s no publishing or copyright information and the end papers are blank. They’re making money of someone else’s IP and it’s disgusting.

I ordered this as a present for an eight-year-old, & after looking through it, wanted another one to keep at home. I'd already seen, & given as a present Graeme Base's "The Water Hole" and this book is just as fascinating. The pictures are delightfully witty & really motivate a child - or an adult - to play with words imaginatively. It has a picture page for each letter of the alphabet, with just one sentence of text, but the moment you start to name the objects & creatures in the picture you have fun - for instance, on the T page there are two tigers taking the two-thirty train to Timbuktu, while three tortoises play tunes on a tuba, a trombone & a trumpet. It's a superbly entertaining book to stimulate imagination & language.

The most amazing book second only to The Ultimate Alphabet which is currently out of print. Wonderful alliteration and words that delight the young child who has a love for language together with the absurd. Every child I’ve ever shared this book with loves it. (I was a teacher for forty five years. )

I first came across this book over 20 years ago and it still continues to amuse and intrigue. For those who aren't familiar with it, it's worth taking the opportunity to 'look inside'. As you'll see, there's a single or double page illustration for each letter of the alphabet. The objective is to find as many words beginning with that letter. What makes it special is that each illustration is a visual feast; more importantly, it's a fun way to challenge and expand your child's vocabulary. Suitable for 7-8 years upwards. One small point. In some editions, there is a section at the back of the book that lists the images/words on each page (useful, even for adults). However, the library edition does not have this feature.