Friday, April 15, 2011

Book Review - Press Here

Author: Hervé Tullet
Publisher: Chronicle Books (March 30, 2011)
Audience: Ages 3 to 7
Source:  Personal Copy


Description for GoodReads:
Press the yellow dot on the cover of this book, follow the instructions within, and embark upon a magical journey! Each page of this surprising book instructs the reader to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book, and who knows what will happen next! Children and adults alike will giggle with delight as the dots multiply, change direction, and grow in size! Especially remarkable because the adventure occurs on the flat surface of the simple, printed page, this unique picture book about the power of imagination and interactivity will provide read-aloud fun for all ages!

On the opening page of PRESS HERE, the reader sees a simple yellow dot on a clean white background and the simple words that invite the reader to "Press here and turn the page."  I challenge anyone not to be tempted to "press here".  Once you do "press here" and turn the page the journey has begun.  Each page invites the reader, to press, rub, shake, tilt, or blow on the page.  Each time, readers are rewarded with some kind of action on the subsequent page.  Rubbing the yellow dot may make it change color.  Shaking it moves all of the dots around.  And blowing on the page just might send all of the dots flying.  Every time I share this book with someone, I get the same response - smiles, chuckles, and enthusiastic interaction with the book.

There are books and then there are books. PRESS HERE is fun, simple, and brilliantly executed. In some ways, I like to describe this as an iPad app for people without an iPad.  It should be noted that the book is designed in a way that also allows for heavy use.  With a book that encourages interactions, it is critical that it can stand up to lots of handling.  The pages of PRESS HERE are thicker and coated which will support frequently use.  


If you are looking for gifts for young children in your life, or just like collecting unique books, I would seriously recommend this one.  I am already making up a list of who will get a copy.

Have fun watching the book trailer below.