There’s something about a board book that just makes you want to cuddle up with a child and read him or her a story. Play Baby Play! by author and illustrator Marilyn Janovitz, an adorable account of Baby on a play date, is a perfect example.
Rolling on the rug
Frolicking on the floor
These little babies want
More
More
More!
Marilyn Janovitz knows what is appropriate for babies. The illustrations are simple and colorful. The text contains both rhyming and repetition. The soft roundness of the babies’ faces is captivating. Babies are going to love this book.
Although I usually review books for older children, I jumped at the chance to talk about this one because board books for babies are so important. Reading Play Baby Play! (or a similar book) for a few minutes with a baby is not only enjoyable, but is also a crucial step to early literacy. According to the Zero to Three organization, attempting to teach babies and toddlers to read is not developmentally appropriate, but allowing them to turn pages and chew on a board book is exactly the right thing to do.
Play Baby Play! would be a wonderful gift for a new baby. You also might want to look for the companion board books, Baby Baby Baby! and Go Baby Go!
Time to go read to a baby.
For more information about early literacy, try the free .pdf file What We Know About Early Literacy and Language Development available on the Early Literacy and Language Tips and Tools page at Zero to Three (The link is third on the list).
Reading level: Ages 1 and up [Board Book]
Board book: 24 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; (April 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402262248
ISBN-13: 978-1402262241
The book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.