Board books don't have to be just classic mommy/baby love stories (not that anything's wrong with those). These new books for babes are vividly colored and imaginatively penned.

"Doggy Kisses 123" by Todd Parr; LB Kids; 24 pages; $7.99.

Parr is one of my favorite children's book creators. His boldly colored books feature silly round faces and hilariously childlike writing. This sleek bright red book with a padded cover stars a slobbery bevy of kissing dogs, who plant their wet tongues on their child friends.

"Three squeaky doggy kisses on the chin," and "Four giant doggy kisses when we win" paint a happy love story between doggy and child. "Nine slurpy doggy kisses on the shoe" shows off a yellow spotted beagle licking a little boy's foot, with colorful hearts all around, ending with, "Ten perfect doggy kisses to say I love you!"

Also from Parr, "Animals in Underwear ABC" has smooth pages that fold up to reveal "N" for a nanny goat sporting spotted boxers and an "O" for an octopus clad in tighty whities. Tots will especially giggle at the sight of a queen bee and even a unicorn in underpants.

"We're Going to the Farmer's Market" by Stefan Page; Chronicle Books; 16 pages; $7.99.

Farmer's markets are favorites of toddlers. This mod board book offers retro-cool illustrations of the market, the people, the baskets full of fish and veggies, and even home to the family table covered in delectable dinner items.

For parents who love the midcentury look on their babies' bookshelves, Page's super-artsy tale fits the bill. The rhyming text flows throughout the "It's a Small World"-like art until: "To table, to table, it is time to dig in! It's been such a great day. Let's go to the market again!"

"San Francisco Baby" by Tess Shea and Jerome Pohlen; illustrated by Violet Lemay; Duo Press; 22 pages; $8.95.

Also hip and mod, "San Francisco Baby" glorifies such baby, as he or she rides a trolley car, isn't afraid of the Chinatown dragon or sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, and even learns the ABCs (Alcatraz, Bridge, Cable Car, Dim Sum ... ). Zesty fun artwork showcases a fun city even non-San Francisco babies will enjoy. There's also activity and reading tips at the end of the book, making it educational, too.

"When?" by Leo Lionni; Knopf Books for Young Readers; 14 pages; $5.99.

Master Lionni's classic mice star in this playful introduction to seasons and the time of day. "When does it snow?" "When do the flowers bloom?" "When do the stars shine?" asks the narrator to the two adorable felt mice. Tots are encouraged to answer the nature questions and to start to learn about the world around them, with the empowering questions asked by Lionni. A fun book indeed.

"We're Going on a Bear Hunt Jigsaw Book" by Michael Rosen; illustrated by Helen Oxenbury; Candlewick; 22 pages; $19.99.

A definite classic, "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" is a baby shower/preschool classroom standby. In this oversized board book edition, tots can put together enclosed puzzles from each page spread and then read the action-packed story. With seven 12-piece jigsaw puzzles included and a super-sturdy setup, Candlewick's smart and fun wonder makes a fabulous gift.

"Wiggle!" by Taro Gomi; Chronicle Books; 16 pages; $6.99.

With a fun gray robot on the cover and other friendly animals throughout, Gomi's small board book is simple and attractive. But when tots poke their fingers through the holes on each page, they're empowered to help the cat balance with its tail, the elephant swing its trunk and the snake shake its rattles.

A great playbook perfect for keeping tots busy in car seats or highchairs, "Wiggle" is giggle-inducing.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.