Description
Baby Learns About Animals is a board book published by Salina Bookshelf of Flagstaff, Arizona. This bilingual board book is set in the Southwest among the contemporary Navajo Nation. The main character, called Baby in the text, is actually a young toddler who helps her family take care of the family's animals. The young girl helps feed and water the family's horse and her colt. Then Baby sprinkles grain for the family's sheep. When the sheep approach to eat the grain, Baby pets a little lamb. The lamb is lulled to sleep by the gentle care. Next Baby helps train the family's sheepdog. Since this is an important family member, Baby spends extra time teaching the dog to sit. When all the work is done and the animals are fed and watered, Baby has fallen asleep. This charming book contains Navajo and English text with delightfully simple illustrations by Beverly Blacksheep. These pictures clearly establish that this is a Native family who cares for their animals. Even the youngest member has a role to play. Although the book was designed for Navajo children, this board book will appeal to all cultures especially Native American and First Nations young children who can easily identify with the main character. Navajo translation is provided by Peter Thomas.