DwellStudio Board Books

DwellStudio (2009), 8 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

Stylish, modern, and educational … designer DwellStudio has created great starter books for babies and toddlers. Simplified, minimal, outlined objects and animals such as a bear, house, whale, etc. (inspired by their design product line) are perfect subject matter for infants and young children. The glossy black and white images are not only appealing to young audiences; they are especially effective for babies whose vision is still developing in the first few months. However, the black and white images are sparingly paired with bright pops of color to add interest and whimsy; for instance the whale depicted in black and white pops with a turquoise splash of water. Published as board books, this series is both sturdy and durable-perfect for babies and toddlers. Although on the small size (7x7) they are just the right size for lap reading. However, since the images are bright and graphic they may translate well for baby storytime … if concerned about size enlarge the pictures, create felt board cutouts, and display them for everyone to see. Introducing babies to books is important; while being read to, they make connections to words and sounds making reading out loud not only a sensory experience, but also instrumental to early literacy.

In addition, the Dwell Studio has developed baby books devoted to learning colors, textures, and more. For instance, What Colors? was produced as an accordion-style (see bottom image) book which folds out to illustrate a rainbow of color. This unusual format would be great for baby storytimes since the “pages” are unfolded to reveal a large, colorful panel. Have parents create their own accordion-style book with folded construction paper and stamp or outline images. Dwell Studio’s most tactile books for children are their Touch & Feel series; using different textures and patterns not only help engage children – they are a great sensory experience, another way to make reading fun!

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: White on Black by Tana Hoban or Charley Harper’s 123s or ABC Books, Sara Anderson’s Vegetables or Fruit

Other books by this company: Eat, Go, Count, Touch & Feel Zoo, Touch & Feel Town, Goodnight Owl, and Good Morning Toucan

Where’s Spot? The Original Lift-the-Flap Book

Eric Hill (1980), 24 pages

Audience: toddlers

Format: board book

A popular book for over thirty years … this book has become one of the classic mainstays of a child’s library. Hill combines large text, bright illustrations, and picture flaps making this story very interactive and engaging –an appealing storybook for pre-readers! As the title suggests Spot (the puppy) has gone missing. Children are encouraged to find Spot in a variety of locations (in the piano, under the stairs, under the bed, etc) by lifting up embedded picture flaps. This exploratory motion is great for kids as it helps keep them engaged in the story and follow along as the adult reads. This book is especially useful for toddlers who are developing motor skills; parents should welcome their child’s participation and ask them to lift the flaps. Hill has created an entire Spot series, which follows the pup through several adventures – examples include Spot Goes to the Farm or Spot’s First Easter. This original book is a great one to start with and one that young children will enjoy!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Tails by Matthew Van Fleet, Peek-a-Moo! or Peek-a-Boooo! by Marie Torres Cimarusti

Other books by this author: Spot Goes to the Farm, Spot’s First Easter, Spot Loves His Daddy, Spot Loves His Mommy, Spot Goes to the Beach, Who’s There, Spot?

The Black Book of Colors

Menena Cottin (2008), 24 pages

Illustrated by Rosana Faria

Translated by Elisa Amado

Audience: All ages

Format: picture book

This is quite possibly the most unusual and innovative children’s books I’ve ever seen. Originally written in Spanish as El Libro Negro de los Colores, this book has now been translated into several other languages, including English, French, and German. Printed in black ink on black paper –this book explores Tomas’s world of color –without actually using any!

For most sighted people it’s impossible or unfathomable to imagine seeing through taste, touch, or smell. Well, this book explores just that … what would it be like to experience color using alternative sensory experiences? Take yellow, for instance, “Thomas says that yellow tastes like mustard, but is soft as a baby chick’s feathers.” The color red is another story ... “red is sour like unripe strawberries and as sweet as watermelon. It hurts when he finds it on his scraped knee.” As the story builds, each color is uniquely described and accompanied by an image for a multisensory experience. A truly fascinating way to explore color! Text is printed in Braille at the top of each page, then translated in crisp white lettering at the bottom; line drawings are engraved and embossed into the paper (creating a textured-image experience). A complete Braille alphabet is included at the end the book.

This book works double duty as an educational tool to discuss the senses, such as touch, smell, taste, etc and as a way to explore color ... for instance, have children close their eyes and describe colors ... what is blue? what is green? Using these techniques I bet you'll discover a whole new world of color!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Is it Rough? Is It Smooth? Is It Shiny? by Tana Hoban or Through Grandpa’s Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan

Other books by this author: Numeros/Numbers, Equilibrio/Balance, and Al Reves/Upside Down