Cleocat Books are a wonderful series for preschoolers (ages 2-6) that teaches basic skills. The series currently includes Counting in the Woods with Cleo-cat-tra, Cleo-cat-tra's ABCs, Rhymes and Times of Cleo-cat-tra, and Cleo-cat-tra's Box of Shapes and Colors. I received all but the last one to review. All the books contain very winsome illustrations of Cleo and her friend Mario (the mouse). Not only are the books some of the best I've seen for introducing these concepts, but they have additional activities to keep your child engaged. For instance, at the end of the rhyme book, the author invites the reader to go back and see how many times Mario appears in the illustrations. What a great way to go back over the book with renewed interest. There is a whole list of other activities for the child to do so that you can review this book on multiple days.

Counting in the Woods is your typical counting book, but then when you get to the back there is a little glossary telling more about each of the animals you counted in the story. Additionally, there is a picture list of bugs to go back and find in the illustrations in the book. What a fun way to combine a little nature/science lesson into your day. Also, there is a whole list of fun counting activities in the back of the book. There is even a page demonstrating "finger writing" the numbers 0-10. The charming ABC book also offers additional activities in the back to enhance learning.

This set has become a permanent part of my preschool collection. My granddaughter loves these books, and they fit right in with her current curriculum.

Product review by Christine Hindle, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March 2011