Jean Little Library: RA RA READ: Interactive Picture Books

Interactive picture books are extremely popular in my library; at storytime, with the parents, with preschool teachers, and of course with the kids themselves! There are many, many more interactive books - and many books you can make interactive just by how you use them in storytime - than I have listed here, but these are the ones I use most often in storytime and to the greatest effect.

Authors

Silvia Borando

This is the main author for Minibombo books, a small, Italian imprint. They have quirky and unique books that are delightful storytime reads. Some of our favorites are Shapes, Reshape! and Open up, please! Shake the tree is also fun.

Nicola Davies

What happens next, Who's like me, what will I be

These lift the flap books are my top go-to nonfiction titles, especially Who's Like Me which teaches the difference between mammals, amphibians, reptiles, etc. There are enough flaps for a large class to take turns lifting and looking but be prepared to spend a loooooong time discussing these. I usually set aside at least 10 minutes and you can easily spend an entire storytime just on one of these books.

Ed Emberley

Go away big green monster; If you're a monster and you know it
I actually have a puppet that goes with Big Green Monster. I have used it to great effect with special education students - teen age, preschool developmental level. I get them all to make "go away" motions and say with me "go away" as I read the book. The second title is a fun singing book - get everyone standing and clapping their claws!

Nicola O'Byrne

Sometimes written with a co-author, O'Byrne has created a series of interactive books that are both funny and clever. Open very carefully, a book with bite started the series and the latest is What's next door?

Herve Tullet

Press Here and following books like Mix it up! really touched off the interactive picture book fad. One of the things I like is that they offer opportunities for a class of 20-25 kids to participate, although you have to do a little math to make sure everyone gets a turn. You can also adapt for an audience doing actions in their own space, instead of coming up to the front. Whichever you choose, leave extra time for participation.

Jessica Young

Only two stories so far, Pet this book and Play this book but both are excellent and I expect more in the series!

Individual titles

Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett

This works best with older children (4-5). Have them join you in the actions suggested on each page.

Do not lick this book (it's full of germs) by Idan Ben-Barak

This was definitely the poster child book of the pandemic. It's funny and nonfiction and offers kids an opportunity to practice their fine motor skills. There is a sequel, but I prefer the first book.

Don't push the button by Bill Cotter

At first this appears to be a spin-off of Tullet's Press Here but it's actually more akin to The Monster at the end of this book. Be prepared to calm down riotous laughter. Only offers opportunities for a small number of children to participate. It works best if you have two helpers. There are a whole bunch of sequels and board books, but I feel that the first one remains the best.

Jump by Scott Fischer

All ages love this book. I get all the kids to crouch down, and once they've got the idea of the book - that there's going to be a JUMP every time I turn the page, they will enthusiastically follow along.

Move! by Steve Jenkins

This one needs a little editing and prep, to make sure you've got all the different actions planned out and to be able to edit for the age and attention-span of your audience. Nothing beats having a whole group of kids do a spider dance though!

It's a tiger! by David LaRochelle

This is one of our absolute favorites! Have all the kids stand up and as you read the book, whenever you get to "It's a tiger! Run!" have them scream and run in place. They will catch on quickly!

Warning: Do not open this book by Adam Lehrhaupt

This works best with older kids who can understand the tongue-in-cheek humor, but kids pretty universally like the idea of breaking the rules. There is a sequel, Please open this book.

Here we go digging for dinosaur bones by Susan Lendroth

This can be sung (and acted out) to the tune of "Here we go round the Mulberry bush."

Tap the magic tree by Christie Matheson

A marvelous fall-themed take on Press Here. Matheson has written several other interactive titles with nature themes, but the first remains the best.

Do you know which ones will grow by Susan Shea

This one works best with older kids who understand the point of the story - that you're contrasting living and manufactured things. I use it with a game and I generally open the flaps myself as I read it.