"Press Here" by Hervé Tullet

This is the perfect children's book!  Hervé Tullet's Press Here is a picture book that completely captures the imagination of those both young and old.  It starts off with a white page that is blank except for one yellow dot and the instructions "Press here."  With the turn of each page the dot grows in number, changes color, location and even size- all with the help of the reader!  I love this book because it works great both one on one or with a big group.  I have used this book with a group of elementary students and instead of doing the reading and actions myself, I have found that it works great as an activity and let the kids "press here."  Even though this is just a book (not an iPad or other piece of technology) it still captivates the reader on an interactive level like I have never seen before.  It's also great for kids learning their colors and learning to count.  It's the kind of book that I want to own for myself and want to use every time I read books to kids.




Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons" by Eric Litwin, Created & Illustrated by James Dean

How had I not read this book sooner?  I loved it!  Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons is wonderful!  In this book, Pete starts off with four buttons.  But as time goes on he looses one button.  Then another.  Then another!  But even though his favorite shirt soon becomes button-less he still keeps a good attitude and sings a song about his four groovy buttons.

For me it is natural to use children's books as some sort of teaching activity.  What color is this?  How many are there?  Things like that.  This book takes that concept and runs with it.  As the number of buttons decreases, a bit of math is thrown into the mix so that the kids can see what is happening.  I'm sure most little ones won't completely grasp what 4-1=3 is, but I like that it at least starts putting the idea of subtraction into their minds.  I also like that Pete doesn't get angry or upset over his buttons.  Not only are kids developing some math skills, they are also getting a lesson on attitude and how to accept things that are beyond their control.  I am totally going to be reading more books about Pete!

Happy Reading!
-Melly