These are both Little Tiger board books: thanks to the publishers for sending them for review.

Cows Are Pink!
Becky Davies and Gareth Lucas

Down on the farm, the animals have all got their colours muddled up. Small children will enjoy predicting what is behind each cut out section before the page is turned to reveal in turn which animal is pink, yellow and red. What about cats though? They’re a bit more problematic and they certainly aren’t green, one of the colours visible through a cat diecut. So what is orange, black and green?
The final spread shows eight different farm animals and each is appropriately coloured, to the satisfaction no doubt of the little mouse character.
With bright, textured illustrations by Gareth Lucas this is a playful book for the very youngest.

How It Works: Fire Engine
Molly Littleboy and David Semple

Curious learners, especially those with an interest in vehicles will enjoy this addition to the How It Works series. Nee-naw! Nee-naw! goes this emergency vehicle but first come explanations for little ones about where fire engines are kept; what firefighters do at the fire station when not out on call,, as well as what their uniform comprises. When the crew receives an alarm call it’s a case of off as fast as they can go, sirens and flashing lights warning other vehicles to give way as they approach.
Once the scene is reached it’s masks on and out with the hoses.Sometimes though fire engine crews have to perform acts of rescue for such things as cats stranded high in trees, or they might pay a visit to a nursery or primary school to teach the children the importance of fire safety. Perhaps some of them will be so enthused they go on to join the fire service themselves.

With cutaways, ‘did you know?’ questions, labels and a simple narrative there’s plenty to engage small children.