If you are looking for a series of board books that incorporate play into reading then look no further than those by Sandra Boynton.
Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact any reviews, recommendations, or comparisons. This helps me to be able to keep this website growing in order to help you make the best choice for your children.
While Amazon rates them as being for ages 3-5, I would have to disagree. We have a huge collection at my house and they have been my kids’ favorite books to read since they could grab books. At over 70 million books sold, clearly we aren’t alone!
I love them because they are short and easy to read in rhythm, but they are also incredibly enjoyable. From singing songs, to acting goofy, to giving smooches – these books make reading time a fun bonding experience. And what better way to introduce books to youngsters than by making them fun?
The illustrations are distinctly her own, making her books recognizable from a mile away. Characters reoccur throughout the many books so whether you love Pookie, chickens, or hippos there are many books to enjoy.
With over 60 titles available it is hard to choose a favorite. However, everyone in our house loves “Snuggle Puppy!” Based off the song from her book/CD set titled “Philadelphia Chickens,” “Snuggle Puppy!” professes a parent’s love for their child no matter who they are or what they do.
This book is especially fine and gives me a great excuse to smooch my littles. (As if I needed another reason!)
Even if you haven’t heard the song from this book or any of her others, Boynton makes it easy to come up with your own tune. With cues on how to make the story fun, she can make anyone a great children’s storyteller. Plus, the songs are silly enough that your tune doesn’t even have to make sense!
Books with songs:
- Snuggle Puppy
- The Belly Button Book
- Pajama Time
- Fifteen Animals
- Dinosaur, Dinosaur
- Philidelphia Chickens
- Barnyard Dance
- Perfect Piggies
- Rhinoceros Tap
- Horns to Toes and in Between
- The Bunny Rabbit Show
- Your Personal Penguin
CD and book sets are available with these songs and more.
Other favorites include Little Pookie books featuring a sweet little piglet and usually his adoring mama. Pookie is given short dialogue to which the reader can project his tiny gentle voice allowing children to fall in love and relate to his cautious indecisiveness. “Spooky Pookie” is also featured on the list of Fall Books for Infants & Toddlers.
Includes the following titles:
- Little Pookie
- What's Wrong, Little Pookie?
- Night-Night, Little Pookie
- Happy Birthday, Little Pookie
- Let's Dance, Little Pookie
- Spooky Pookie
Don’t think Sandra Boynton books are just all fun and games. She also has several that provide basic learning concepts such as counting, alphabet, opposites, and colors. Although, in typical Boynton fashion, be prepared to giggle while you learn.
It is not hard to see why Sandra Boynton is one of my favorite children’s author. Opening the doors for silliness while reading her books will have your children requesting them again and again.
For biographical information on Sandra Boynton with a bit of humor, visit her autobiography page.
