Carolyn Phelan (Booklist, Mar. 1, 1992 (Vol. 88, No. 13))
First available in 1967 from Holt, Rinehart and Winston's school division, this was again published in 1983 as a trade book . Brown Bear's popularity has snowballed ever since, as preschool and primary grade teachers spread the word: first, that it's a terrific book for teaching colors and also that, with the whole-language movement taking off, it's a high-interest, beginning reader with rhythm, repetition, and predictability. The new edition offers the original wording, with such minor changes from the 1983 edition as "redbird" to "red bird" and "I see a mother looking at me" to "I see a teacher looking at me." The new illustrations feature crisper lines, bolder colors, and a bit more texture than the originals, making them even more striking. Category: For the Young. 1992, Holt, $14.95. Ages 2-6.

Susie Wilde (Children's Literature)
Many new board books are re-releases of beloved books, now made more durable for babies who will first love the books' rhythm and rhyme in infancy and continue to love the story as toddlers. Among the classics making a new board book appearance is Martin's wonderfully rhythmic Brown Bear with illustrations by one of the best in the business, Eric Carle. 1996, Holt, $15.95 and $6.95. Ages 3 mo. to 4.

Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
A brand new edition of this beloved classic offers clearer, brighter and truer colors, plus all new illustrations that include zoo animals will delight another generation of readers. The response to each question leads to the picture of the appropriate animal. 25th anniversary edition. 1992, Henry Holt, $15.95 and $6.95. Ages 2 to 5.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, 1992)
The contemporary classic has been reissued with text restored from the original version and with new illustrations based on the originals. As before, Carle's large, brilliantly colored animals set against a white background make the book perfect for sharing with a group of preschoolers, while Martin's repetitious text is eminently chantable and gives a boost to beginning readers. Category: Fiction. 1992 (orig. 1967), Holt, 26pp.. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.