Board Books for the Littles
Reviews by Melissa Oxborrow

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[August 29, 2015]   Board books are designed with little people in mind. Perfect for reading to babies and toddlers, the thick cardboard-like pages stand up better to curious hands. Illustrations are often simple and brightly colorful with very little text on each page. Some books have one or two words that identify pictured items while others feature rhyming language. We expanding our board book selection with fun and interesting new titles. Below is a combination of old favorites, brand new titles and an introduction to two fun series for our littlest patrons.

What a Hoot!
by Frann Preston-Gannon, c2015

I absolutely adore Frann Preston-Gannon’s artwork! Warm and whimsical, her images leap off the page. Cute little owls with big eyes play throughout this book, introducing simple opposites like “clean” and “dirty”. This title is larger than the usual board book, a nice change that makes colors and images stand out more clearly. It’s also a great choice for interaction with your child as you look for the sneaky snail that makes his way from page to page.

My Big Truck Book
by Roger Priddy, c2011

This over-sized board book is an old favorite that flies off the shelf over and over again. Bright real-life photos along with simple labels identifying each type of vehicle capture the attention of toddlers that love things that go. Each spread features a question that helps children learn something about each type of vehicle. Little boys and girls, alike, enjoy learning about all types of trucks.
 


Peek-a-Who?
by Nina Laden, c2000

This title is especially fun for children that understand the concept of peek-a-boo, however, the simple repetition and basic rhyming pattern engages even the smallest child. Each page has a cut-out that sets up a reveal. Who is peeking through? “Peek-a-zoo” displays a wild animal, “peek-a-boo” shows a ghost. My favorite is the ending: “Peek-a….YOU!” with a little mirror displaying your little one’s smiling face!

Little Monkey Calms Down
by Michael Dahl and Oriol Vidal (illustrator), c2014

This title is part of the Hello Genius series, and is a simple board book about feelings. Little Monkey is having a rough day and responds with a big tantrum! After going to his room he tries different techniques to calm himself down. Simple suggestions like taking a deep breath, cuddling with a special blanket or singing a song are things that older toddlers can understand. They can try out these ideas with your encouragement when they are feeling upset. Babies and younger toddlers may not be able to understand the concepts of the book, but will still enjoy the vivid colors and simple illustrations. Other titles available in this series include Little Tiger Picks Up, Penguin Says Please, Little Lion Shares, among others.

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Frankenstein: an Anatomy Primer
by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver

This book is part of the incredibly unique BabyLit series that highlights various classics in literature and gives them a new life with the littles. Each book uses the selected classic to share simple concepts in a special way. For example, Alice in Wonderland introduces colors while Don Quixote introduces some Spanish vocabulary. Each book also has at least one quote from the original book.

Frankenstein is one of my favorites. An incredibly loveable Frankenstein teaches toddlers about the parts of their body and what they can do with them. Frankenstein eats strawberries with his mouth, rows a boat with his arms, climbs a mountain with his legs, etc. Adults will smile at the humor sprinkled throughout the books, like Frankenstein reading a copy of Paradise Lost, while children will focus on the fabulous illustrations and simple concepts, including counting, colors, identifying animals, etc. Other titles in this series include The Secret Garden: a Flowers Primer, Huckleberry Finn: a Camping Primer, Moby Dick: an Ocean Primer, and many more!

To check out these books or get recommendations for other great reads, please come see us at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin Street. Our board books are located in the Youth Services Department on the fire truck.

[By MELISSA OXBORROW, Lincoln Public Library District]

 

 

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