If I had a list of my favorite 2020 board book publications so far this year you'd find this one at, or very near to, the top. With stunning illustrations by Marit Törnqvist that ooze with images that remind us of the very best moments of childhood, I take in something new from her illustrations every time I pick up her book.
As two friends begin to play, each page seemingly represents a new day of possibilities. From a day spent creating, exploring, imagining, building, appreciating, discovering and celebrating, Wake Up, Let's Play! puts independent play and creativity at the heart of its pages. I also greatly appreciate the illustration below of the two friends playing "restaurant" as it celebrates a child's love of setting up stuffed animals, dolls, plates, teacups, saucers, cups, cakes, and more, regardless of a child's gender.
And lastly, I had to share one more illustration (below) that I absolutely love. Perhaps a bit unrealistic since hopefully parents wouldn't let their children in a boat at night by themselves with no lifejackets but that is the beauty of this book: your imagination can take you anywhere.
Enjoy!