Press Here: Children's book, 56 p, Isbn-0811879542, Ages 4-8, Guided Reading Level: I, HC
I continue to be amazed at the innovative books that are being published these days for children. Gone are the days of just blah-blah word stories, now there are books that invite you to step into their world and interact with them, just like another child would. A playmate who, as an added bonus, teaches only good things. And that's exactly how I found Hervé Tullet's Press Here, published and sent to me for review by Chronicle Books. Only this book exercises their imagination and involves a bit of physical activity as well - perfect for both the sit-still and can't-sit-still children!
The concept of the book is deceptively simple. A series of dots invite kids into a world of fun and learning.
On the very first page, perfectly white in color, a bright yellow dot (which looks very much like freshly painted one) is there with one word beneath it - Ready? On the next page, the same yellow dot is there and the text beneath it asks the child to press the dot and turn the page. My kids were at once intrigued and jostled each other for the privilege of being the first one to press the yellow dot. And then on the next page, suddenly there are two yellow dots, where originally there was just one. The kids at once believed that they'd pressed the previous dot through the page and lo behold! there was the proof on the page. Some more pressing and voila - there are three dots on the next page. Ok, by now my kids have the hang of it and are going - what, is that all? Thankfully - no, there's a lot more coming. Now the page invites you to gently rub the dot on the left. And what do you find when you turn the page? One of the three yellow dots has turned a bright red! All right, now my kids are intrigued again. You get the idea.
The book constantly does this. Just as the kids begin to get bored of something, it asks them to do something else which results in an interesting development in the next page - and so on. Tapping, clapping and even shaking the book and blowing on it - all are involved and each results in something different and exciting - the dots increase, change color, move, and even fall off the page! And that's the perfect combination to keep the kids involved and coming back for more. There are no flashing lights, raucous sounds or a TV screen involved in any way, yet the interest level is on a similar scale - something I'm personally very thankful for! My kids had great fun with it the first time around, and every once in a while when they come upon this book again (they have tons of books, as can be seen from the photo) they're delighted all over again.
Perfect for older and younger kids, and has an invaluable repeat factor, plus no annoyance for parents - I couldn't ask for more!
Disclosure - This book was received for review/feature consideration.
-----------------------------------
If you like this post, then please consider subscribing to my Full Feed RSS.
You can also Subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox.
Comments
Post a Comment