"Bring me your boots" is the opening phrase of Puddle Song, and let me tell you, I was hooked from then on. Over the years there's been a continual emphasis on publishing board books that prepare children for the social and emotional demands of preschool and kindergarten, as well as early childhood academic demands. And while counting board books, alphabet boards books, and socio-emotional board books have many benefits, I wish I could find more board books on the market that simply focus on encouraging a child's innate curiosities.
In a 2021 article in Psychology Today, research suggests that creativity and independent thinking in childhood is one of the key contributors to a child's success in adulthood. Board books that encourage creativity and a connection with nature, like Puddle Song, to me, have lasting benefits for children. From full-page illustrations of children happily stomping in puddles, floating leaf boats, racing through the wind, and glancing at their reflections, Puddle Song is written with a simplicity that mimics the kind of simplicity that's often lost in childhoods of today. Unstructured play, an immersion in nature, and a slow-paced no-phones environment is often just the right recipe for a childhood that's filled to the brim with lasting memories of exploration, discovery, and wonder. And if you ask me, we could all use a little more wonder in our lives.
Thank you to The Creative Company for the review copy!
Enjoy!