Great Read Alouds: Interactive books
The more you put into something the more you get out of it, right? If so, your young child has much to gain from interactive books. There is a growing number of read alouds that encourage kids to get involved in what’s being read to them on a whole other level. Kids make something happen in the book by making a choice, touching or moving the book in a certain way, speaking or singing out, or moving themselves in a way that contributes to the book’s goal.
Kids become active participants in the book. Not only do they get all the language benefits of a typical book, but they may also advance their motor skills and decision-making abilities. Interactive books are also incredibly fun!
The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson
Christie Matheson has written and illustrated several fantastic interactive picture books. In this one you are asked to help the bees grow trees, berries and flowers in every color of the rainbow. As your child brushes away the snow, locates the bees on each page, and blows buds dry they will learn about plants and practice counting and color identification. I cannot take my eyes off this beautiful book. Look for more books by this author in the list below.
Let’s Play Little Rabbit by Jörg Mühle
Play peek-a-boo with Little Rabbit and push him on the swing. Other Little Rabbit board books invite you to give him a bath, put him to bed, and comfort him when he falls. They are simple and sweet for young listeners.
Endlessly Ever After written by Laurel Snyder & illustrated by Dan Santat
Remember Choose Your Own Adventure chapter books? This is a picture book version of them that cleverly mixes classic fairy tales. There is rhyme and humor, but be aware there is also peril. Many of the 16 or so endings result in your demise. If your child can handle that, it is a wonderful book to read over and over.
There’s a Unicorn in Your Book written by Tom Fletcher & illustrated by Greg Abbott
Tom Fletcher has a whole series of interactive picture books called Who’s in Your Book? The first one is There’s a Monster in Your Book and this one is the newest one in our collection. Like the others, there is plenty of page-touching and book-moving fun. The unicorn in this book, however, is not what you may expect. Worry is keeping Unicorn from being his normal glitter-and-rainbows self. Kids learn that talking about your worries with a friend is more helpful than distractions, you should ask before tickling or hugging someone, and unicorn parties are the best!
