We often think of them as childhood friends, not just characters in our childhood books: Winnie the Pooh, Curious George, Charlotte and Wilbur. Beloved literary animals, after all, often showed us how to be better people. The 3,000-plus volumes at the Tulsa Toy Depot, 10114 S. Sheridan Road, feature plenty of other great animal heroes to enthrall young readers. Here are some of owner Ryan McAdams’ favorite titles:
Baby Bear Sees Blue
By Ashley Wolff
Baby Bear wakes up and spends the day exploring a world of colors: Green leaves, brown trout, red strawberries and blue jays. A bright, colorful board book with beautiful illustrations, for infants to 3-year-olds.
Bear’s Loose Tooth
By Karma Wilson; Illustrated by Jane Chapman
Bear is eating lunch when he feels a crunch _ his first loose tooth! Bear gets help and reassurance from his animal friends as he deals with a wobbly tooth. McAdams recommends this book for kids ages 1 to 6. It’s an especially great read for those with a wiggle in their bite.
A Tale of Two Beasts
By Fiona Roberton
Every story has at least two sides, and this one cleverly shows why understanding those different viewpoints matters. The same story is told in two parts, one from the perspective of a little girl who “rescues” a creature in the woods and the other from the creature who is “kidnapped.” An eye-opener of a story book.
Charlotte’s Web
By E.B. White; Illustrated by Garth Williams
Yes, this is the beloved story of Charlotte and Wilbur, a spider and a pig who find friendship in a barnyard and hatch a plan to save Wilbur’s life. Great for any advanced reader, including adults who will find this tale of love, friendship and sacrifice even more moving than they did as kids.