I Went Walking by Sue Williams

Illustrated by Julie Vivas. HMH Books, Boston,1996.
Boardbook edition, 30 pages, ISBN 978-0152007713.

A spiky, redheaded youngster embarks on a stroll and encounters a succession of farm animals who, though initially camouflaged, are recognized, identified by color, and greeted. Unbeknownst to the child, they begin to follow one by one. Although the repetitive text , "I went walking", "What did you see?" and the answer, "I saw a ... looking at me", may seem reminiscent of Bill Martin Jr.'s Brown Bear series, Williams has taken a slightly broader turn. Vivas's expressive watercolors stand out against a white background, enabling the reader to focus on the central characters and action, as well as the large, well-spaced text.

Best for toddler storytime in lap book format.

Print awareness is promoted through repetition of text. Color concepts are taught.

ABA's Pick of the Lists, ALA Notable Children's Book, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book, Book-of-the-Month Club Selection