Day 139: Press Here

I've heard a lot of great things about this book, but it has been out of the library every time we have gone recently so I never had a chance to read it.  This past week, we got a surprise package in the mail from my incredibly generous brother-in-law (who loves getting my kids new books -- lucky us!), with three fabulous new stories inside.  One of them was the newest Elephant and Piggie book, Listen to My Trumpet (which, like all Mo Willems books, in my opinion, is worth a read) but Press Here was in there, too!  We were so excited!  The package came just as I was leaving to pick my son up at preschool, but he read Listen to My Trumpet in the car on the way home and Press Here as soon as we got inside.  It was love at first read!  Press Here is absolutely brilliant, a playfully interactive delight of a book that is perfect for children of all ages.  As you open it up to the first page, you see nothing but a lone yellow dot in the middle of the page with the words, "Ready?"  Turn the page and the same yellow dot is there:  "Press here and turn the page." The pages that follow contain a variety of simple instructions that get kids pressing, shaking, tapping, turning, and tilting the pages while the dots change color and size and dance around the page.  Its playful, engaging, interactive nature is reminiscent of some of our other favorite books, The Monster at the End of This Book or Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!  This book is a little different, though, in that it's not the narration that invites the reader into the story but the simple directions along the way.  It's kind of like an app in book form, as ironic as that sounds.  Every time we have read this fabulously fun story, both of my children crowd around the book to press the dots, shake the pages, and giggle along as we go.  It is SO much fun!  I also love the way the book is constructed, with a thick cardboard cover and sturdy, glossy pages that are clearly designed for lots of handling and enthusiastic turning.  If you ever see this book at your library, snatch up it quickly and read it as soon as possible.  This is one book you'll soon want to have in your home library collection.  Thinking of what to get your little Valentine?  Press Here makes a great gift.  My children and I can certainly attest to that.