Do you know a little one who would love a Barney gift? You know the kind, child or grandchild that already has everything and doesn't need anything - especially something that needs batteries or makes noise? You were thinking maybe something a little more educational...
Lyrick Publishing
Barney is celebrating his 10th anniversary this year, so we're talking about a guy who has won a lot of hearts. This book was written by Guy Davis and Illustrated by Darren McKee. It was published by Lyrick Publishing, 1998. ISBN 1-50764-243-5 Retail: $9.95 (Average price $7.00-$8.00)
Our Story
Barney's ABC, 123 and More! was voted best birthday present this year by our 2-year-old. My little one prefers reading this one with someone but also looks at it frequently by herself. If I were to say, "Go get a book to read", this is the book that she would bring me. Her favorite books had flaps when she was smaller. Barney + flaps = pure enjoyment for her.
About the Book
This book is only 12 pages but it will take much longer than you think because there is a lot to do on each page. There are 70 fun flaps which is quite a lot to find and talk about. Each page describes where the are and says what to look for. There is only one to two sentences for each set of pages.
Pages 1 & 2 has the numbers 1-10 and has outdoor animals hiding under each of the flaps.
Pages 3 & 4 as has a block for ever letter of the alphabet and a picture of something that starts with that letter under the flap.
Pages 5 & 6 has farm animals and the name of the colors underneath
Pages 7 & 8 has a picture of a circus and the name of shapes underneath the flaps
Pages 9 & 10 has a picture of an island and the names of opposites on the flaps (i.e. wet/dry, in/out)
Pages 11 & 12 has a picture of a castle and has some of Barney's friends behind the flaps (i.e. Professor Tinkerpuff, Baby Bop, BJ)
(There is a picture of Barney on each set of pages)
Physical Aspects
The book is roughly 10x10 in the shape of a square. The pages are made of soft board. I can only explain them as being stronger than any paper and softer than the infant board books. Chewing on the book would ruin it. The pages will bend, but not easily. The pages have a glossy laminate over them so it would repell liquid or could be wiped with a damp cloth if needed. Any moisture under the flaps would destroy it though.
Each page has many flaps for the child to look under. There is a little indention to facilitate opening. The more the book is used, the easier it is to open. The most difficult thing is finding them on the page because they blend in well. The flaps are attached tightly but will tear off if pulled roughly.
The left and right page go together to make one scene. There is color on every inch of the page, there is no white to be found. The pictures look like colored drawings rather than real photos. There's a more cartoonish feel to it. The scenes are very busy, crammed with scenery and well recognized objects such as animals, Barney, BJ, Baby Bop.
Age
I would recommend this for ages 2-4. This would be a great book to have while teaching preschool children their ABCs and 123s. It's a great book for bonding because it's very interactive.
Even if your little reading isn't a Barney fan, they'll probably still like this book.
Where to Buy
My copy came from the local Wal-Mart last month. This should be available in your home bookstore or can be found on the below websites:
www.walmart.com
www.shop.barnesandnoble.com
www.amazon.com
Although I usually recommend used books, this one I only recommend new because of the flaps.
Recommended:
