Animals and Kids - A Winning Combination New Picture Books for Children Continue to Feature Furry Friends and Other Creatures as `Peter Rabbit' Keeps Hopping after 100 Years

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IT'S hard to visit the children's section of a book store or library this spring without being reminded that this is the 100th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's classic, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit." The lasting quality of her story is due, in large part, to Potter's exquisite watercolor illustrations and her child-sized format. But equally important is her understanding that animals and children are a winning combination.

This spring's authors and illustrators have capitalized on that phenomenon. Real or imaginary, the animals featured in these new releases are sure to engage both children and adults.

According to the Old Testament account, Noah loaded two of …