The Children’s Book Review | November 20, 2013
The best board books of 2013, as picked by the editors and contributors of The Children’s Book Review.
By Xavier Deneux
Introducing TouchThinkLearn books, a format unlike any other. Combining scooped-out die-cuts with raised, shaped elements, each book is designed to offer the youngest learners an irresistible opportunity to explore their universe in a hands-on, multisensory way. Seeing the image, tracing its shape, saying its name: these modes of perception combine in a dynamic way to stimulate understanding of essential concepts. Experience green both in the beauty of a raised leaf’s surface as well as in the caterpillar that munches on the leaf’s edge. Celebrate a moon rising into the night, while simultaneously a sun sets deep into the mirroring page. Translating abstract thought into tangible knowledge, groundbreaking TouchThinkLearn books give early learning new dimension.
Ages 0-4 | Publisher: Chronicle Books | July 23, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1452117263
By Christopher Franceschelli
With thick pages cut into the shape of each letter, children and parents will enjoy this peek-through guessing game around the letterform itself. Sprinkles, hot fudge, and cherries hint at I’s ice cream sundae, while aquarium accessories hint at F’s fish. As readers interact with the pages, they will familiarize themselves not only with the 26 letters and associated words, but also with each letter’s physicalityangles, holes, and curves, both front and back. With Peskimo’s animated, stylish visuals, this fresh ABC book encourages readers to manipulate the alphabet in a whole new way.
Ages 1-4 | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | August 6, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1419709364
By Xavier Deneux
Introducing TouchThinkLearn books, a format unlike any other. Combining scooped-out die-cuts with raised, shaped elements, each book is designed to offer the youngest learners an irresistible opportunity to explore their universe in a hands-on, multisensory way. Seeing the image, tracing its shape, saying its name: these modes of perception combine in a dynamic way to stimulate understanding of essential concepts. Experience green both in the beauty of a raised leaf’s surface as well as in the caterpillar that munches on the leaf’s edge. Celebrate a moon rising into the night, while simultaneously a sun sets deep into the mirroring page. Translating abstract thought into tangible knowledge, groundbreaking TouchThinkLearn books give early learning new dimension.
Ages 0-4 | Publisher: Chronicle Books | July 23, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1452117256
Give toddlers a taste of this deliciously adorable, interactive novelty book that’s the perfect size for little hands, from #1 New York Timesbestselling creator Matthew Van Fleet.
From the creator of the New York Times bestselling Heads and Tails, four clever pull-tabs and seven tickly textures put toddlers face-to-face with captivating critters who prove that tongues can do much more than taste! This hands-on read-aloud is sure to become a bedtime—and anytime—favorite.
Ages 2-6 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books | January 29, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1442460492
By Kimberly Ainsworth
Moustaches of various shapes and sizes illustrate the concept of opposites in this playful, interactive board book!
Moustache up and moustache down.
Which moustache covers up a frown?
In this highly interactive board book, young readers can match press-out moustaches of all shapes and sizes with corresponding images printed on each spread. Playful, rhyming text encourages readers to decorate the faces throughout the pages of this book with one of the many included cardstock ’staches, which can be stored in a resealable envelope inside the front cover.
Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Little Simon | July 23, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1442475267
Observe the life and loves of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, in Sense & Sensibility: A BabyLit Opposites Primer. Learn the difference between big Norland Park and little Barton Cottage, happy Mr. Willoughby and sad Colonel Brandon, while hoping that one day Elinor and Marianne will leave their single days behind them and celebrate worthy marriages.
Jennifer Adams is the author of a dozen books including Remarkably Jane: Notable Quotations on Jane Austen and the popular Y Is for Yorick: A Slightly Irreverent ABC Book for Grown-Ups. Jennifer works as a writer and editor in Philadelphia.
Alison Oliver runs Sugar design studio. Alison’s design portfolio includes everything from logos to packaging and product design for clients such as Chronicle Books, Citibabes, and Aerie, as well as Gibbs Smith. She lives in New York.
Ages 3-6 | Publisher: Gibbs Smith | February 15, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1423631705
This humorous story celebrates mom as the best one-woman show on earth as she juggles everything that goes on during the day—she’s a ringmaster, a wild beast tamer, a magician, and sometimes a clown. But her best stunt of all is the sandman show, when it’s time for a good-night story. Luciana Navarro Powell’s colorful, humorous illustrations are a perfect complement to her spirited, rhyming text.
Ages 0-4 | Publisher: Robin Corey Books | March 26, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-0-307931436
Munch!
Chew on this: an interactive novelty book all about eating, from #1New York Times bestselling creator Matthew Van Fleet!
From the creator of the New York Times bestselling Heads and Tails, a humorous look at how animals munch, crunch, and eat! In this hands-on read-aloud that’s sure to be a favorite, tabs and textures animate the madcap antics of a cast of frolicking critters whose mouths are made to do more than eat!
Ages 2-6 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books | August 27, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1442494251
By Dan Stiles
In his signature retro-modern illustration style (sure to appeal to lovers of Charley Harper) Dan Stiles delivers a colorful, fun-to-read play-by-play of the put-on-your-shoes battle that will resonate with parents of toddlers everywhere.
Put on your shoes.
NO!
Sound familiar? This clever, colorful boardbook delivers a hilarious version of the classic standoff between parent and toddler. A fun read-aloud that will make kids laugh while reassuring every parent of a recalcitrant child that they are not alone!
Ages 2-5 | Publisher: POW! | November 5, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1576876466
See our full list of the best kids books of 2013!