Comparrotives

Coat's reliable Grammar Zoo series tackles a new language concept with this playful, oversize board book starring a bright red macaw. Comparative adjectives are the name of the game this time: "Fast" features the parrot on a skateboard; "Faster" shows that parrot in a race car, already on its way off the page. The parrot appears in the middle distance for "Close," but its blue head, black beak, and beady eyes engulf the foreground for "Closer." Occasional textures, like a blanket ("Softer") and a glittery, rainbow clown wig ("Sillier"), add to the fun for tactile toddlers. It's Coat's artwork that steals the show, however, cultivating a strong sense of emotion and movement out of simple, crisp shapes and bold colors. Funnier and cleverer than your average board book.