Way Far Away on a Wild Safari is a cute read aloud story that would world well as a transition book for young children just starting out reading. The text is simple; the pictures are colorful and engaging, and just plain fun. Picture one adventurer, complete with pith helmet, one plate of animal crackers and a vivid imagination and you've got yourself a wild safari in the making! The text is just repetitive enough for younger children to be able to catch on and join in as the story goes on and when it's retold to them...because they WILL want it read to them again and again!

The age range listed on the inside flap is 3-6 but I believe that this is one of those books you can start early and read right up until about preschool age (so a range of 0-5) and that it's one that your 4-5 year old will come back to as he or she is learning to read, because it's familiar and fun. Additionally this book is a nice way to introduce African animals to your youngster, each is brightly pictured and even the lion is not scary, so great for young children in every way possible! I give it five stars, your kids will come back to this story time and again. ( )

This child looks like she's been beaten up around the eyes. The animals' eyes all look weird, too, and the text seems awkward and grating. ( )