The Top 10 Everything of 2009

Every picture-book roundup needs an alphabet book for the wee ones. What make this ABC book stand out are the photos: they're positively eye candy. Each letter is paired with a creature — some in unusual poses, like a giraffe arching his head all the way back. Some are represented by a striking part, like the alligator foot that adorns the A page. (Turn the page to see the whole critter.) The generous white space makes the animals practically leap off the page. Don't say I didn't warn you when you get to the letter L!