Kids are the best people to buy gifts for. They never give you a basic “thank you” after opening the gift you gave them. They are always wonderfully and hysterically honest in their reaction. And my gifts to my son, niece, and nephews over the years have been met with a range of reactions from sarcastic, “thaaaaanks,” to exclamations of, “I’ve always wanted a pair of HELLO KITTY earphones?” to my favorite, staccato screams while running circles around the house in excitement. Though I can’t guarantee the latter, giving an interactive book, can certainly make you a favorite gift giver for all the children in your life. Here are 5 interactive children’s books to gift this holiday season.
TICKLE MONSTER LAUGHTER KIT (with Tickle mitts)
by Josie Bisset, illustrated by Keven J. Atteberry
I have been asked to read this book so many times by my son, I just about have the whole thing memorized. This truly is a memory making, interactive book. The Laughter Kit comes in a colorful box with furry blue monster mittens for the reader (or tickle monster) to wear, while all enjoy the fun rhymes, laughter, and tons of tickles this interactive book provides.
by Herve Tullet
This book is so simple and yet, like magic. On each page you follow a simple instruction like, “Press the yellow dot,” and on the next page your actions will have caused something to change. It’s a perfect book for teaching following directions and your child will have a blast shaking, blowing, and clapping their way through this fun interactive book. Plus, if you love PRESS HERE, there are more interactive books and even games from Herve Tullet like, SAY ZOOP, MIX IT UP, and READY SET DRAW.
by Barney Saltzberg
BEAUTIFUL OOPS is the perfect, imperfect interactive book for any child on your list this year. I love the message of this book. Every page turns a mistake: like a torn piece of paper, into something beautiful: in this case, an alligator painting. The reader interacts with each colorful design on unique pages of folded corners, flaps to lift, or even a colorful accordion telescope to look through.
by Lo Cole
This is an interactive counting book, with illustrations reminiscent of Eric Carle and die cut pages like those in THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR. It is a simple and sweet rhyming book, and the perfect interactive book to read before bedtime.
by Bill Cotter
Different than PRESS HERE, where pressing is encouraged, the only rule in DON’T PUSH THE BUTTON, is just that. However, in this interactive book, we don’t always follow the rules. Laughter and silliness awaits as you scramble to fix the damage done by pressing the button. If you enjoy this one, you may also want to pick up, DON’T PRESS THE BUTTON: A CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE.
There are many reasons to gift an interactive book this year to a child in your life. Kids will love them because they are like a toy and a picture book in one. Parents will love it because it will be one more tool for teaching, entertaining, and engaging with their child. Plus, these books tend to make a lot less noise then most singing, talking, beeping plastic toys on the market.
Finally, buying an interactive book is a great way to support a small business. Do a quick internet search for a local bookshop or toy store in your area, many are offering call ahead, curbside pick up. Or purchase through bookshop.org via the links to the titles above and you can support small businesses like mine or someone else’s. Plus bookshop is offering gift wrap, along with cards and special messages.
Whatever you choose to give the children in your life this holiday season, I hope you soak up those delicious genuine reactions. It won’t be long before they grow up to be kind, conscientious adults, who will simply tell you they like your gift with a thank you and a smile, even if you regift them a waffle iron and book on how they can waffle almost anything (sort of).
Please share if you have any fun gift giving stories with a child in your life? And remember to shop small, wherever you can, this holiday season and always.
Kid Content Now 