Books in Dinosaur Shape Books series

Perfect for both babies and toddlers and just the right size for their little hands to hold, these shaped books with different textures, lift the flaps, and first words are packed with lifelike illustrations that make the enormous beasts jump from the page.Realistic images of the lesser known prehistoric creatures—such as the whale-like ichthyosaur—explore the Jurassic period and offer information about what life was like when dinosaurs roamed the land and the sea.

We are pleased to present our delightful shaped version of A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson with illustrations by Fern Bisel Peat. The collection first appeared in 1885 and has proven popular with children and their parents over the past 100 + years. We were drawn to reprint this version especially, for the appeal and high quality of the illustrations and how well they fit with the poems chosen. This version is designed specifically with the very young reader in mind, hence the bold and colorful artwork and selective offering of poems. It includes: The Lamplighter, The Land of Counterpane, Bed in Summer, My Shadow, The Swing and more.

The delightful tale of five kitty cats–one is gray, one is gold, one is white, one is striped and one is (now would you believe it) pink–and their feline adventures. These happy cats engage is such domestic pursuits as beekeeping, washing their faces and gardening. They are (unlike, I am sorry to report, real cats) kind to birds and love to slide on trees. These fashionable felines wear different adorable outfits on nearly every page. This charming book, a reproduction of a mid-century publication, is sure to be enjoyed by little girls and cat-fanciers of all ages.

Another in our popular series of shaped books tellling the still pertinent story of two ways of life. Good stories never lose their power. Aesop, an ancient Greek, first wrote this tale of a country mouse who samples the life of her city cousin, and finds the simple peace of the country far preferable. Ethel Hays, the illustrator, has changed the cousins from male to femaile so that she can indulge her talent for rendering beautifully dressed mouse ladies. Even the country mouse's Sunday best is outshone by the city mouse's complex and fashionable wardrobe.

With such enthusiastic response to our reproductions of die-cut antiquarian children's books, we have been in search of more titles that our discerning customers would enjoy. The Cats' Pajamas (1932) is another title from Frances Brundage, the illustrator of our popular The Three Bears. The Cats' Pajamas is a truly delightful tale of a fashion conscious cat and her two kittens. After receiving brand new stylish pajamas, the small kittens promptly ruin them with reckless play, but, as they discover, a mother's love surpasses even beautiful pajamas. This would make a wonderful gift for new parents building their classics collection or an avid young reader. It is die-cut around the cover image, the newest in our ""shape"" book series.

An early chapter book from Newbery Medal winner Betsy ByarsWhen Boo brings home a dinosaur that only she can see, her brother Sammy, doesn't want to encourage her antics. Boo and her dinosaur are inseparable until Boo says good-bye to the dino quite suddenly. When Sammy sees how sad his sister is, he understands Boo's need for her dinosaur more than he wants to admit. So much so that he almost believes it . . . almost. Betsy Byars has written many chapter books, including Little Horse and Little Horse on His Own. Her language, perfectly tailored to beginning readers, combines with Erik Brooks's charming illustrations to make a delightful book for children who are just starting to read. Boo's Dinosaur is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Our most popular title, this version of the elemental tale of a little girl, her grandmother and a scary wolf is illustrated by Gladys Hall and dates from around 1910. It is rendered in bright primary colors, and the little girl – Rosie – is utterly adorable in her gingham dress and red cloak. The wolf is vanquished, Rosie is saved, and all ends well in this most gentle of Red Riding Hoods.