7 BEST THINGS ABOUT READING

What’s the best thing about reading? It’s hard to pick just one!

According to the back cover of this board book, real kids weighed in to help pick the things that make reading fun, from selecting a favorite story to reading with “funny voices” to snuggling up together as a family for a group read. Each page uses the same phrasing and structure: “The pictures are the best.” “Turning the page is the best.” This single-sentence-per-page model makes it a good fit for young readers looking for familiarity and predictability. There are no questions or invitations for readers to respond or opportunities for them to supply their own favorites, but caregivers will be able to fill in the gaps. Depicting animals such as a mouse, a bear, a lion, and a rabbit, the illustrations are bold with thick lines; bright blues, yellows, oranges, and pinks dominate. All of the characters are clearly appreciating their reading experience, whether it’s reading at a table, joining in with friends, or hanging out under the covers. Making reading an enjoyable experience has an impact on early literacy skills—this one will likely get little ones excited to become readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Age-appropriate affirmation that pretty much every part of reading is, in fact, “the best.”