As the subtitle says, this is "A veeeeeeeerrrrrr long fold-out book." Lift the cover and you will see the head and torso of a cheerfully smiling dachsund, facing a blue wall with a number of small picture frames on it, including pictures of Brian's front and bottom halves, and a newly hung picture of cheese, which two mice are approaching on a ladder.
The text begins as you turn the "page" asking where Brian's bottom is. You can read the book as a traditional book, turning the folded cardboard pages, and asking different creatures, Pauline the parrot, Alan the hamster, Dave the turtle, where Brian's bottom is. Meanwhile, his torso snakes through the illustrations, hung with towels, plunging through the bathtub, twisting around chairs. Finally, after one last curve around a lamp, Brian's bottom is discovered in bed!
Opening the book, you can also "read" it backwards, on the inside of the folded pages, which gives you the same pictures but with no text - and slightly changed. There are different details and positions although the general backgrounds remain the same. You can also stretch out the fold out book and look at the whole scene from front or back.
As far as how sturdy it is, that's debatable; the pages are thin cardboard and the hinges appear sturdy, but I can see the cardboard hinges of the spine, which appear to be paper over board, and the hinges of the pages wearing out quickly, especially if they are folded incorrectly.
However, it's a really fun book and the cheerful cartoon illustrations, with different details to find on each page, are sure to make this a favorite among toddlers and preschoolers.
Verdict: While it may not last long, I think this is a worthwhile addition to most board book collection. You may consider trying to reinforce the hinges and spine with tape or buying an extra copy or two.
ISBN: 9781843654667; Published September by Pavilion; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased for the library
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