Here is Hare product reviews

It is always difficult to choose the right book for a toddler. Mr One is just learning what a book is, and it is hit and miss whether he will buy into the idea. Here is Hare was the perfect choice. The format is sturdy, meaning that it will withstand the sort of abuse that only a toddler can direct towards it - throwing, chewing a corner, smearing food on the cover - and will survive to be wiped clean and read one more time! Not only was the board book ideal for him, but the textured cover intrigued him so much that he spent a lot of time feeling it. I still remember "fuzzy books" from when I was a child and running my fingers over the pages - they lasted years after I had outgrown the content because they were such fun; little ones experience the world in a very tactile way and can understand text or a picture just by touch.

Once Mr One had satisfied his interest in the cover, the rest of the book was shared with him. He loved the illustrations, pointing at each one and patting it. The distinctive ears made it easy for him to recognise Hare among the other creatures (Eel, Frog, Snail, Kunekune, night bugs, and Ruru). The pictures where creatures were hiding were challenging to make out, but Mr One (like all babies and toddlers) is used to the game of Peek-a-boo and reacted with delight each time a hidden creature popped up on the next page.

Mr One and his family live in the country so he has already seen real hares running wild in the fields outside his house - and even, on occasion, in his driveway. Although the pictures in the book are stylised rather than true to life, the body shape (including the long, upright ears) is unmistakable and Mr One had no problem in recognising what kind of animal Hare might be. His sister, Miss Four, thought he was a rabbit, however, and told Mr One her own version of a rabbit story using the graphics as a guide. She is nothing if not creative!

It is a pleasure to see such a young child enjoying a book and looking through it on his own. Reading is such an important part of every youngster's life, and it is rewarding to see the delight he gets from looking at the pictures as he relives the story. From an adult's perspective, I loved the book and look forward to seeing more of the same kind from creator Laura Shallcrass.