Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: You’re my little cuddle bug by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by Natalie Marshall

This sweet little board book would make a great baby shower or gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

Each spread features a few rhyming couplets of baby love, illustrated with bright, cheery colors. A big and small bug show the warmth between parent and child. The baby bug is raised on the page and fits into a die-cut shape on the opposite page.

When you turn the page, the cut-out encircles the previous text. For example, on a rich fuschia background with white flowers picked out in sea green, a little yellow-green caterpillar looks up at something unseen in flowers while the text reads “You’re my caterpillar, You’re ticklish through and through.” Turn the page, and you’ll see the big caterpillar, gazing adoringly down at their little one. You can reread the previous page’s words through the die-cut shape of the caterpillar, or continue on to the rest of the couplet, “I love to make you giggle, And you make me laugh too!” The bugs included are ladybugs, bumblebees, caterpillars, butterflies, and fireflies (although they are called “cuddle bugs”).

The book is a sturdy square, the raised cardboard pieces are firmly attached, and the die-cut shapes are set into extra-thick pages.

Verdict: While not necessarily a storytime pick, this will be a favorite bedtime read for parents and little ones. The non-gendered caregivers are a nice touch, rather than focusing exclusively on mothers, and babies and toddlers will enjoy the raised bugs and bright colors.

ISBN: 9781684122585; Published 2018 by Silver Dolphin Books; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library