Keen to raise an avid reader in your household? Look no further than these fun interactive board books to engage your baby or toddler at story time…
Here at HoneyKids, we’re huge bookworms and love nothing more than reading to our kids. And while we love getting our older children interested in the classic faves, our favourite reads from amazing kids’ authors like Roald Dahl or books all about Singapore, when it comes to our bubs, we can’t go past interactive books for babies and toddlers. Yep, we love toddler books that are full of lift-the-flaps, textures and silly surprises galore. These bedtime books for babies really engage teeny readers and are a great introduction to reading. They’re also great to give as gifts – it’s something that both parents and bub will appreciate. We think board books are perfect reads for any time of the day, we say!
Where to buy board books in Singapore
When it comes to board books – or any book for that matter – your best bet is always Amazon.sg. There are over 17 million books on Amazon.sg, which makes it our go-to for buying a great read. It’s the largest bookstore in Singapore, which means that when it comes to book shopping for bubs, we’re spoilt for choice. There are soooo many options!
Looking for a great deal? We know we always are – which is why we’re psyched about Amazon.sg’s Black Friday (starting 23 November) and Cyber Monday (30 November) sales. It’s a great way to kickstart all that holiday shopping – just “add to cart” now!
The best interactive books for babies and toddlers
1. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Originally published in 1982, this lift-the-flap favourite is a huge hit in our households, and for good reason. A child writes to the zoo to send them a pet, and the zoo keeps sending the wrong animal until, finally, they nail it. Little fingers love the surprises in wait under the flaps, and we also like to make the animal noises (although if anyone knows what noise a camel makes, please share!).
2. Hi-Five Animals! By Ross Burach
This cool toddler book is a recent find, but when we brought it home from our favourite local library, it ended up top of the pile for weeks! The instructions on the book’s cover are simple: read, hi-five, repeat. Keep turning the pages and hi-fiving the illustrated animals as you go. We dare you not to laugh your socks off! Definitely a toddler book we adore.
3. That’s Not My… by Fiona Watt
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t read one of these touchy-feely books to their baby or toddler. This multi-award-winning series has more than 50 books in its collection: everything from That’s Not My Otter to That’s Not My Tractor. As well as stroking, rubbing and scratching the textures on each page, we particularly enjoy asking our kiddo, “Where’s the mouse?” (it appears on each page) and then giving them a squeaky tickle once they point to it! Great for early readers, too.
4. My First Computer by Anne-Sophie Baumann
If you find your little one is showing an interest whenever you’re on your computer, then this is the perfect way to foster an interest in technology. This laptop-shaped book is filled with tabs, flaps and interactive surprises that will have littlies learning first concepts in a really cool and creative way. This unique toddler book gets the thumbs up from us!
5. Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet Ahlberg
Another toddler books classic we can’t get enough of! Gorgeous illustrations and fun rhymes encourage little readers to follow the storyline and spot different fairytale characters in the pictures. We also love to look for the little dog that appears throughout the book.
6. Press Here by Hervé Tullet
Hands down (pun intended!) one of our favourite interactive books for babies and toddlers! Little readers must follow instructions on each page, such as tapping coloured dots, blowing them or giving the book a good shake, and when they turn the page they’ll see what their hard work has resulted in. Join the legions of lovers worldwide and grab your tot a copy of this innovative read.
7. I Can Roar! by Frank Asch
A fantastic choice for toddlers, this fun board book shows a different animal on each page and encourages the child (or adult, in our household!) to imitate it in a hilarious way, for instance, “I can snap like a turtle” or “I can stick out my tongue like a snake.” As well as being a giggle-fest of a read, it also helps kids learn about animals and has a lovely empowering message at the end (“I can be anything!”).
8. The Jolly Postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
This award-winning, bestselling book blew our minds when we were young (many, many years ago) and turns out our own kiddies love it, too. However, this is one best saved for kids that have grown out of the grab-and-tear stage. Each page features mail the postman is delivering to famous fairytale characters in the form of envelope-shaped pockets. Inside each envelope are beautiful surprises that you can remove and read separately, including letters, cards, games and a tiny book. One to treasure forever.
9. Where is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz
Looking to teach your bub on various body parts? This bestseller is the perfect interactive book that you should have in your baby corner. The playful texts and vibrant illustrations will keep your little ones hooked as they search for Baby’s hands, feet and other body parts. Exercise precaution when reading this book, though – we’re told that the flaps are a little thin and they might get ripped off if you’re not gentle with it!
10. Moving Blocks by Yusuke Yonezu
Introduce baby to shapes with this interactive, colourful board book! It asks simple questions that gets bubba identify objects that move. Use the book to enhance play with building blocks and allow your kid’s imaginations to grow grow grow! What are they building? What can it be? Ask these questions (and more) with the help of this book.
11. Peekaboo Kisses by Barney Saltzberg
What’s better than a life the flap book? A life the flap AND touch and feel board book, of course! Play peekaboo with the book and have fun discovering the various animals and textures featured in it. Life the flaps, press a squeaker, and have lots of peeks (you’ll end up having a look at yourself, too!) with this touchable, smoochable board book. Get ready for plenty of surprises and kisses!
12. Hello Honeybees by Hannah Rogge
It’s never too early to teach your little ones about environmental issues – even if they’re only a few months old. This fun, interactive and educational board book introduces wee readers to the world of honeybees and what they do. There are two bees on a ribbon, which you use to fly around the garden, tour the beehive, and see how honey is made. Plus, this unique book can be transformed into a beehive when you stand it up. How cool is that!
Happy reading!
