Chouette Publishing released a new series of Caillou books based on the Caillou television show earlier this year, offering the same simple drawings, uncluttered conversations, and practical lessons as the show in four different formats - lift-the-flap books (My First Vacation), a single-volume collection of stories (My Book of Great Adventures), a boxed set of five small hardcover stories, and a puzzle/board book (ABC Train).

Although these books are intended primarily for preschoolers, ABC Train would be fun for younger toddlers learning their ABCs and how to to assemble simple puzzles. The book is an extra thick board book with pop-out puzzle pieces that fit in alphabetical order, with an animal associated with each letter (jaguar for J, koala for K). The pieces fit together easily and store securely in the book. It's labeled as not intended for kids under three (maybe the choking hazard would come from puzzle pieces falling apart when chewed?) so use your discretion and parenting judgment here.

My First Vacation is a great book for helping kids grapple with the concept of taking a plane ride. As long as your child doesn't expect to get to meet the pilot and sit in the cockpit, they'll get something worthwhile from this book in advance of, or in the act of, taking a trip.

The Caillou Boxed Set, My Book of Great Adventures, and My First Vacation are clearly aimed towards the preschool set. These books teach a small life lesson in each story. Children who enjoy the quiet, gentle Caillou show will enjoy these books!

- Jeremiah