Every so often I come across a book that really stands out. A book that keeps me as equally entertained, delighted, and captivated, as it does the children. A book that you love and treasure, read many times over, and can recall the story in its entirety. Similarly, it’s often the one book that your little 3-year-old can recite from memory too. Complete with actions and voice expressions.
It’s the book that’s often dog-eared, well-thumbed, food stained and tear-stained. It’s the one that was left behind on the family holiday, only to return three hours later to collect. It’s the one that has sticky tape across the cover to repair the inevitable rip that happened because Mr 5 and Miss 4 couldn’t agree who’s turn it was to read, and so a tug-of-war ensued.
When I was a little, this book was The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. It was also We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, Where The Wild Things Are, and recently it’s been The Day The Crayons Quit.
But one that truly stands out, one that’s plastered over everybody’s “Must Give” Christmas list, Birthday list, and on 4 out of 5 Best Books for Children Under 5 list, is
PRESS HERE BY HERVÉ TULLET
Press Here by Hervé Tullet is a playful children’s book that explores colours and shapes. It’s read aloud fun for all ages. More than that, it’s a picture book unlike any other children’s book available in mainstream children’s literature today.
| It’s not magic, it’s the power of your imagination.
“That’s right. Just press the yellow dot and turn the page. Follow the instructions and embark on a magical journey! Each page of this surprising and irresistible book instructs the reader to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt them, and even blow on them – who knows what will happen next!” Chronicle Books
Press Here is a book full of surprises. It’s an interactive picture book full of unexpected moments that will make your kids giggle with delight. It’s a book that will engage your kids and bring them into the story.
It’s a book that connects them to reading, that makes them think about the process and of the events coming on the next page. It encourages children to enjoy the story, and gives them reason to believe that yes, ‘reading can be fun.’
Here in the nanny life, we love this book. I see it on every shelf, in every home I go to. I read this same book to many freshly washed, pyjama clad sleepy kids. It’s a book we tuck ourselves into bed with, or cuddle into the couch in front of the fire with; sleepy heads lolling on my shoulder. And yet when we turn that first page, and follow the yellow dot across many more pages, we’re suddenly not so sleepy.
This truly remarkable picture book was given to me as a lovely gesture, by a truly remarkable educator. Someone who could appreciate the joy and benefit I give, and receive, from working with children and helping to shape their future.
Hervé Tullet’s ‘Press Here’ is a very special book. And I suspect, a book that will remain special in the eyes of many for years to come.
>>> Have you had the delight of reading Hervé Tullet’s Press Here?
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“Hervé Tullet is the creator of more than fifty children’s books, including Press Here, which has been translated into twenty-seven languages. He lives in Paris and is celebrated internationally for his playful, inventive, and interactive storytelling.” Good Reads
{Click Here} to see more about Hervé Tullet and his workshop.
{Click Here} to see what we’re working on in our French lessons for kids, Hervé Tullet’s “Coleurs” is truly remarkable.
Closing image source: Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
BOOK WEEK 2014 SERIES:
Book Week 2014: Connect To Reading
Book Week 2014: Best Book Parade Costumes
Book Week 2014:DIY Photo Bookmarks
Book Week 2014: Press Here by Hervé Tullet
Book Week 2014: Geronimo Stilton Review
