Are you a reluctant reader (or, let’s face it, picking out books for a reluctant reader)?
Are you trying to keep kids entertained? On a quest to reduce screen time?
In other words, looking for a good interactive book? Of course, you are, otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this blog.
So here are 7 of my favorites. You don’t have to thank me for the recommendations. But you’re welcome!
- The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone – An oldie but a goodie. Loveable, furry old Grover takes the reader through the book, begging them not to turn the page because there is a monster at the end of the book. Of course, you know what happens when you tell readers NOT to do something! This was my favorite book as a kid and remains one of my top favorites of all time. It also has made many top 100 children’s book lists, so it’s gotta be good. (See Our Review Here)
- The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak – You may have already heard about this book. It’s always one of the first interactive books recommended. But it deserves a mention here because it is brilliant. It is HILARIOUS. Kids and adults will have fun reading this together. And yes, the title is correct. There are no pictures in this picture book.
- Hey, Bruce! by Ryan T. Higgins – Rupert, Thistle, and Nibbs (mice from the Mother Bruce series) are going to make an interactive book. And they decide that Bruce has to be in the book. Bruce just wants to take a nap. Nothing can possibly go wrong with help from a reader and 3 overeager (and maybe a little misguided) mice, can it? This will be a hit with kids and adults – I haven’t laughed so hard at a picture book in a long time. (See Our Review Here)
- Press Here by Hervé Tullet – Another quintessential interactive picture book. It’s such a simple premise: the text directs a reader to press a dot, then turn the page to see what happens. You wouldn’t think that a book with only dots on a plain white background and minimal text could be so exciting. But it is. Clever, imaginative, and fun, this book inspired 3 more interactive books from Tullet: Mix It Up, Let’s Play, and Say Zoop. And they’re all great.
- Hungry Bunny by Claudia Rueda – Bunny needs the reader’s help picking apples for Mama’s pie. The red ribbon attached to the spine comes in handy! When I came across this book a few years ago, I was charmed by the inventive use of a simple bookmark. Part of the Bunny Interactive Picture Books series, with Bunny Slopes and Bunny Overboard.
- If You Laugh, I’m Starting This Book Over by Chris Harris – The premise is similar to The Book With No Pictures: the adult narrator is going to read the book to the kid (and be a little silly while doing so) and they have to do what the text says. Only in this one, there is an additional rule: the kid is NOT allowed to laugh. Otherwise, the narrator is going to start the book over. So of course, with that gauntlet thrown, the book is going to be full of noises and gags and ludicrous things designed to make a kid laugh. Hilarity will ensue. You have been warned.
Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder – You are Rosie. Your mom gives you a basket with cake to give to Grandma, who is ill. On your way out the door, you need to grab your coat … which one? This choose-your-path picture book is an ingenious mashup of fairy tales. Hours of entertainment guaranteed.