If you found the best book in the world, would you stop reading? Could you stop reading? If you had homework to do, or dinner to get through, could you put the book down? On a train to the zoo or on a flight to Kalamazoo, would that break the spell? If in a forest you walked, while scary monsters stalked . . . would that be enough? If you'd crossed a desert that baked or were swept off by a river that snaked, would you even take a break? If every animal in the land were to be led by a big band, in a grand parade in your honor made . . . would you put the book down? What could possibly be so good about a book? Well, open me up and find out for yourself! Rilla Alexander's story is conveyed through her superb artwork making this an unforgettable and magical tale that encourages children to read. The Best Book in the World draws young readers into the richly rewarding world of books.

Herbert loves the slide, and in this first of four irresistable minature full-length picture books, the littlest readers are introduced to new friends and the charming world of the Hippo Park playground. Herbert loves the slide! Climbing up the ladder, sitting himself down, sending Teddy down first--it's all the best part. Whether Herbert imagines sliding down into a magical underwater world or being chased up a mountain by a bear--preschoolers will love Herbert's adventures playing on the slide, and thrill to this first visit to Hippo Park. All four Hippo Park Pals mini picture books are set in the playground, where the animals play, imagine, and have lots of feelings--just like preschoolers do.

Fiona digs, builds, and pretends in her favorite spot--the sandbox--in this second of four irresistable full-length minature picturebooks, where the littlest readers are introduced to new friends and the charming world of the Hippo Park playground. This second book in the Hippo Park Friends series—introduces Fiona the Hippo in her beloved sandbox. Fiona is a builder and a digger, and has a big imagination. She's digging for dinosaurs when she hits an imaginary bone and poof--she and her brother Herbert and face to face with a dino. So naturally, they bake cakes and pies and enjoy! The Hippo Park Pals mini picture books are all set in the playground, where the animals play, imagine, and have lots of fun and feelings--just like preschoolers do.