My First 100 Plantitas & Florecitas

Toddler-K–A charming board book for future gardeners and plant lovers. This bilingual title introduces little ones to the plethora of flowers and plants, from annual blooms to succulents and shrubs. Each spread presents a different category of plant or flower with 10 examples each. Year-around flowers include more ­common ones like daffodils, but the illustrations also feature lantanas and clematis. Young ­children will be wowed by ­climbing plants, such as monstera and climbing roses. The names of each are presented in English first then followed by the ­Spanish version. The pleasant palette evokes growth and cheer, just in time for spring. Bright reds, purples, pinks, and of course greens, will engage toddlers and preschoolers, encouraging them to touch and grab at the book. The work’s goal of introducing “first words” to small children is not quite successful. Long names with multiple syllables will be difficult for most little readers and listeners to pronounce or repeat. And the explanation of different categories would’ve grounded the volume more. How do you explain the difference ­between hybrid flowers and herbs? Still, the jewel-tone pictures will draw them, and maybe even inspire some home ­gardening.