If you are interested in interactive entertaining books for young readers, these three titles are a great choice for you. They encourage exploration, engagement, and interaction in a curious, rhythmic and humorous way. Young readers will learn valuable lessons through these sensory enhanced experiences.
Oscar the Octopus
written and illustrated by Matthew Van Fleet
Oscar the Octopus by Matthew Van Fleet is an adorable self-engaging interactive pop-up book that captivates the imagination of young readers. With its vibrant colors and playful illustrations integrated into an interactive design, this book is an educational sensory adventure that introduces children to the wonders of ocean life through the charming character of Oscar, a friendly curious octopus.
The standout feature of the book is its use of interactive elements. With flaps to lift, textures to feel, and buttons to press, each page offers something new and exciting to explore. These tactile features invite young readers to actively participate, keeping them engaged while enhancing their experience of the story. As Oscar explores the ocean, children are encouraged to touch and explore the different animals and environments he encounters, making the story feel more immersive and sensational.
Matthew Van Fleet’s art style is lively and full of character, perfectly suited to the playful and fun nature of the book. The illustrations are bright and bold, and each animal is uniquely designed and textured, adding a sense of whimsy that will encourage and delight children and adults alike. The visual appeal is further enhanced using dynamic layouts and varied perspectives that keep the pages fresh and full of motion and life.
The story itself, though simple, is packed with personality. Oscar’s adventures in the ocean showcase the diversity of sea creatures and their unique traits. The text is rhythmic and easy to follow, making it perfect for read-aloud sessions. Each animal Oscar meets has its own characteristics to explore, which not only adds educational value but also introduces young readers to different aspects of marine life.
In addition to being a fun and entertaining book, Oscar the Octopus offers a wonderful opportunity for parents and caregivers to bond with their children. The interactive elements encourage shared reading and a sensory experience, while the engaging visuals spark conversation and exploration that will be remembered.
In conclusion, Oscar the Octopus is a fantastic addition to any child’s library. Its combination of interactive features, charming illustrations, and educational content makes it a book that will be enjoyed again and again. Whether it’s for a bedtime story or a hands-on exploration experience, Oscar is sure to become a beloved character in the hearts of all young readers.
Get the book! Check out Oscar the Octopus: A Book About the Months of the Year by Matthew Van Fleet at BMCC’s Library or the Queens Public Library.
Hello Dinosaurs!
by Joan Holub, illustrated by Chris Dickason
Hello Dinosaurs! by Joan Holub is a wonderfully engaging and educational picture book that brings the prehistoric world to life for young readers. With its colorful illustrations, catchy text, and vibrant dinosaur characters, this book is a delightful introduction to the fascinating world of dinosaurs for children.
What makes Hello Dinosaurs! stand out is its simple yet effective approach. The book features a series of short, fun greetings from different types of dinosaurs, allowing children to learn about these ancient creatures in a playful, relatable and accessible way. The rhythmic text makes it easy for young readers to follow and sing along, helping them engage with the story while reinforcing the names and characteristics of each dinosaur.
The illustrations are bright, bold, and full of life, perfectly complementing the playful tone of the rhematic text. Each dinosaur is depicted with fun, exaggerated features that bring their personalities to the forefront, making them feel more relatable to young children. The dynamic illustrations complement the playful wording and are sure to captivate kids and keep them interested from page to page.
One of the highlights of this book is its educational value. While the story is amusing, it introduces children to a variety of dinosaurs, including some familiar and some lesser-known species. The simple descriptions of each dinosaur are easy to understand, offering a great opportunity for young readers to learn more about the different shapes, sizes, and features of these incredible creatures.
Another great feature of Hello Dinosaurs! is its interactive potential. The rhythmic nature of the text makes it a great book for read-aloud and sing along sessions, and children can join in with the dinosaur greetings. It also encourages kids to mimic the actions of the dinosaurs, making the book an active and fun experience.
In conclusion, Hello Dinosaurs! by Joan Holub is a fantastic choice for young dinosaur enthusiasts and a great addition to any child’s bookshelf. Its bright illustrations, fun greetings, and simple, educational content make it a book that will be enjoyed again and again. Whether for bedtime reading or an interactive story time session, Hello Dinosaurs! is sure to delight both kids and parents alike.
Get the book! Check out Hello Dinosaurs! by Joan Holub at BMCC’s Library, the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library, or the Queens Public Library.
Puppy Dog Pals: Mission: Fun
by Lori C. Froeb, illustrated by Disney Storybook Artists
Puppy Dog Pals: Mission: Fun by Lori C. Froeb is a delightful, action-packed pop-up book that captures the fun-loving spirit of Bingo and Rolly, the two adventurous puppies from the popular animated series. This story is filled with energy, excitement, exploration and plenty of heart, making it a perfect read for young children who enjoy colorful characters and upbeat tales of wonder and adventure.
The plot is simple but engaging, as Bingo and Rolly embark on a mission to have fun, but along the way, they learn important lessons about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. Froeb does a great job of bringing the characters’ personalities to life, making Bingo and Rolly feel relatable and lovable. Their dynamic is fun to follow, with each puppy’s unique traits coming through as you help them solve problems and work together to accomplish their goal.
One of the best aspects of this book is the vibrant illustrations. Every page is bursting with color, movement and adventure, perfectly capturing the playful nature of the characters. The illustrations do a fantastic job of supporting the action in the story, keeping young readers curious, engaged and entertained as Bingo and Rolly go on their fun-filled missions.
The story also includes subtle lessons about cooperation and problem-solving. While the puppies are on their missions, they face obstacles but handle them by working together, which is a wonderful message for young readers. It encourages kids to think about how they can approach challenges with creativity and teamwork, making the book not only fun but also a great tool for teaching positive values.
Overall, Puppy Dog Pals: Mission: Fun is a great addition to any child’s collection. With its lively characters, playful illustrations, and valuable life lessons, it’s a perfect read for fans of the show and for anyone looking for a light, entertaining story with a meaningful message. Whether it’s story time at home or a classroom read-aloud, this book is sure to bring smiles to young readers and leave them excited for more adventures with Bingo and Rolly.
Get the book! Check out Puppy Dog Pals: Mission: Fun by Lori C. Froeb at BMCC’s Library.
About the author Hi, I’m Tunde! I’m a psychology major at BMCC. As a mom of three, I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact books can have on kids. That’s why I’ve developed a passion for reviewing children’s books—because I truly believe reading is one of the most important things for young minds. It not only sparks their imagination but also helps them develop the skills and insights they’ll need as they grow. Through my reviews, I hope to help other parents and caregivers find books that not only entertain but also foster growth, learning, and emotional development in children.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
