Parents' Guide to

Press Here

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Delightful, interactive fun -- no batteries required!

Book Hervé Tullet Picture Book 2011
Press Here Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

ggrossman
ggrossman Adult
January 11, 2012
age 2+

A family book

This book is tons of fun for kids of all ages. The youngest children practice their colors and numbers, and older children understand the satire of the app-like feel of the book.

This title has:

Educational value
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

PRESS HERE opens with a yellow dot and instructions to press the dot and turn the page. Now there are two dots. Press again, and there are three! As readers are prompted to press dots, tilt and shake the book, blow on the pages, and clap their hands, the dots multiply, change colors, swirl, and expand. The pace quickens and the excitement builds until it’s time to bring it all back to that simple yellow dot -- and then play again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

As more and more books really do require batteries, this fresh book is a magical gem. A giddy read-along of this deceptively simple book will make those flashy phone and iPad apps seem a lot less charming.

Artist Hervé Tullet uses a palette of primary colors and a bold brush. He cheerfully encourages readers to play along, sharing their surprise and delight as the dots morph from page to page. Tech-savvy kids and their parents will delight in the silliness. It's a wonderful read-along for preschoolers, with opportunities to reinforce counting, patterns, and following instructions. And like the best apps, it's a game the family will love to play again and again.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the dots change throughout the book. Ask your child what she thinks might happen on the next page. Count the dots on each page. Look for patterns (and, at one point in the book, a teasing disruption to the pattern). As the dots merge, talk about the new colors they create.

  • Kids can try making their own version of the book. Provide a sheet or two of paper and crayons or a dot paint marker. Encourage your child to make up a cause-and-effect page for you to try.

  • Explore color combinations, make a mini book, and explore more if-then possibilities with free activity sheets from Chronicle Books’ "Press Here" website.

Book Details

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