I remember my old Rupert books - which had lovely detailed B&W drawings combined with simple two line verses (for younger readers with Mum & Dad) PLUS longer passages of prose, containing a more detailed version of the story.

What a great idea - does anyone put out '3 in 1' books like that anymore?

For pre-reading, my strongest impressions surround pop-up books, especially with the bits that moved when you pulled bits. But again it was all in the tiny details, like the little cheese-thieving mice gingerly sneaking past the snoozing cat on tippy toes. Or some naughty fairy peeping through the bushes in the bottom left-hand corner.. all the details for little eyes to spot and compose their own stories from.