My Little Red Toolbox

Kids love to hammer, saw, turn bolts, and build things. But of course real tools are a little too hazardous for those tiny fingers. So Caldecott Honor artist Stephen T. Johnson (Alphabet City) came up with a fun and educational solution: a combination toolbox and book! With its seven sturdy cardboard tools, bolts and screws that really turn, and erasable slate, this handy kit will provide hours of entertainment--and may keep those youngsters out of the grownup toolbox. Each two-page spread features a removable working tool and a different shape to work on. Turn the hand drill in the premade holes in a triangle. Pound pretend nails into a star shape. Cut a piece of "wood" into two rectangles--with a satisfying rasping sound! While they're becoming amateur carpenters, children will learn some basic skills in counting, shapes, and colors; on each colorful background, readers see one piece of paper, two pieces of wood, three holes, and so on up to six nails. This handsome red book includes a pencil, ruler, saw, drill, screwdriver, wrench, hammer, and slate for drawing up plans. Smaller children may need some help prying the tools out of their snug compartments, at least until the tools get a little worn in. (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter