Frank and Frank

OK, I admit it. At first I was drawn to this book because it was orange. But on closer inspection I was quite taken in by the comical antics of Frank and Frank, a bear and a boy who are unlikely friends. Created by illustrator Chris Appelhans, each charming cartoon is completely text free, allowing your child to make up his own narrative.

Now, my 2-year-old has really begun imaginative play in earnest, spending hours dreaming up conversations between his trucks and animals. At the same time, he's also started "reading" books on his own, which since he's not a complete child-protégée (although Mom thinks he must be very close) involves mostly looking at the pictures. Ergo, I think this book would be perfect for him…and the whole family really.