Silver Dolphin books are a must have

By Peggy Laizure

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. Oh my, what a book that is.

"The Field Guide to Safari Animals," published by Silver Dolphin Books, was added to the Field Guide series of educational children's books, and is scheduled to debut at retail stores in August.

Children can explore through Africa with maps, cardboard animals to assemble and an illustrated diorama, included in each book, to set the stage for a backdrop for kids to use in creating their own museum-style exhibits.

Every two pages is about a different, easy to assemble animal and has a map showing where in Africa the animal lives. When the reader is through playing with the animals, they can disassemble them and place them in a pouch attached to the book. No more lost pieces.

"The Field Guide to Safari Animals" follows the 1924 journal of fictional naturalist Rebecca Mayhew. Through her journal entries, they'll read all about her exciting adventure across exotic Africa -- from tracking lions in Nairobi to marveling at the birth of a baby giraffe in Botswana. Each page is filled with stunning photographs, maps, illustrations and fascinating facts about Africa's most spectacular animals.

The book, along with the field guide to rain forest and ocean animals, are recommended for ages 8 and up.

"Explore Within a Medieval Castle," another Silver Dolphin book, has a 3-D castle within the book with secrets revealed, layer by layer. The book will teach children about castle design, medieval tournaments, preparing for battle in the armory, cooking in the castle kitchen and more. Other 3-D series on the fall list include pirate ships and Egyptian mummies. The 3-D books also are recommended for children age 8 and up.

Model Masters is another new series by Silver Dolphin Books designed to bring kids' imaginations to life.

With "Model Masters: Dragons," children can read all about the origins, powers and legends of the mythological beast. Then they can build four dragons and paint them, all supplies are included within the book. It will be available in September. Although this and the other two books are recommended for children age 8 and up, my 6 year old loved the books and already owns a Silver Dolphin dinosaur book released a couple of years ago.

My 1 and 2 year olds enjoyed "Five Little Ducks" and "Rainbow Fun," part of the Amazing Baby series. These books feature bold graphics, rhyming text and interactive activities.

Every time I read "Five Little Ducks" and said "mother duck said," the boys quacked. Both boys ask for them to be read over and over. These two books will be available in October.

Although "Rainbow Fun" is created for babies 6 to 18 months old, it is helping my 2 year old learn colors.

"Diggers and Dumpers" is a book on construction vehicles. While they read, the children can attached wheels and stickers to three press-out vehicles while they learn what they do.

Other educational books include drawing, modeling, painting and other art books, for ages 4 and up and another set for age 10 and up.

Young girls can read how to "Be a Little Mermaid," and what boy doesn't want to read about "Totally Bugs?" "Play to Win: Backgammon," "Play to Win: Card Games" and "Play to Win: Chess," are helpful for gamesters.

The ultimate guide series has animals, dinosaurs, the human body, an atlas and books on space exploration. The Snappy Sounds series is geared toward 3 to 5 year olds.

Silver Dolphin books can be found at most local bookstores and we will definitely buy more.