Babies and young toddlers have a natural affinity for other young creatures, so board books that feature puppies and kittens that are too-cute-for-words are immediate draws to little ones. I think it’s impossible to look at these covers, no matter your age, and not say, “Awwww!”
New from Sterling Children’s Books, Sleepy Kitty and Sleepy Puppy are medium-sized board books at 7″x7″ in the typical glossy, sturdy pages format, perfect for drooly babies. In each book, a full page, close-up photograph is opposite a solid-colored page in soft hues with a short sentence or two in which the kitty or puppy in question pushes back against the announced bedtime. Play time sounds better, or maybe a little drink of milk first. Whatever it is that they want, their photos are as sweet as can be, especially the ones that feature an animal and his parent. Even babies can recognize that parental love, right?
I’ve had the fun fortune of reading these two board books several times over the last week with a little one who recently turned two years old. She happily pointed out the animals on each page, and she especially enjoyed one photograph that showed a chihuahua puppy all tangled up in a roll of toilet paper. This prompted a big “Uh-oh!” and a giggle!
The purpose of board books is to introduce the youngest among us to the concept of reading and these new books provide parents and caregivers the opportunity to do so with engaging, adorable pictures of baby animals that will surely keep baby humans entertained.