Author: Eric Hill
Illustrator: Eric Hill
Age Range:1-4
Genre: Picture book, lift the flap
My daughter was 3 months when I started this book with her. I remember that I took her to the hospital in Hong Kong for one of her checkups and sat with her on my lap reading this book to her to keep her entertained. Her eyes were huge and she just stared at the pictures as if in awe. The lift-the-flap action of this book of course makes it even more fun. Now it is my 2 year old son that loves this book. He knows what is under each of the flaps now, as he has been looking at the book for well over a year. He loves finding spot at the very end and giggles with laughter when he discovers him.
The plot has Spot not eating his dinner and his mother wants him to come and eat. The readers go through the house, looking in various places where he could be, like in the clock, or under the bed, or in the closet, lifting a flap and revealing another animal there, like lion, monkey, or snake. You continue looking and then you find him at the end. You can expand the value of the book by asking questions about what animal is under there, having your child practice memory and prediction. Verbal dialogue around a book is always tremendously valuable.
The flaps do get worn out pretty quickly, which is why I would probably recommend getting the soft cover vs. the hardcover so you can get multiple copies. My own three children have gone through two soft covers. It is a must for any new baby, and perfect for anyone who needs to give a gift for an expectant mother.
Soft cover
Hard cover
