A New Duck: My First Look at the Life Cycle of a Bird

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

These charming and cleverly designed picture books teach the life cycles
of frogs and ducks. Each double-page spread features a full-color
drawing, usually of the environment of the duck or frog. Two-thirds of
the left-hand page is covered by a flap. The text accompanying the
picture is printed on the face of the flap. This text is an accumulation
story, with a new line appearing on each new page. (“This is the nest
that was built by the ducks / that swim in the park where Paul
plays.”) Lifting the flap reveals more detailed text that parents or
teachers can read aloud, as well as smaller drawings illustrating the
life cycle of the animal. The flaps, it should be pointed out, are
susceptible to damage.

Both of these books are highly recommended for libraries and families
with small children.