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Welcome to Book Zone Review’s stop on the virtual tour for Play With Me. This post is sponsored by Kat Chen. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

Review: Play With Me by Kat ChenPlay With Me by Kat Chen
Published by Rise x Penguin Workshop on April 2, 2024
ISBN: ‎ 978-0593659717
Genres: Fiction, Children’s Friendship Books
Pages: 24
Format: Board Book
Source: TCBR
Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bookshop
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Publisher’s Book Summary: This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.

MY THOUGHTS

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was swept into the moment from the first page. The conversation was age-appropriate, and the decisions were guided while appearing not to be so. That alone shared the principle of how to avoid meltdowns.

Play With Me made me miss my days as an assistant preschool teacher. I could hear myself voicing the different characters for the younger ones. I also pictured myself in the dramatic play area with a picnic basket filled with the items mentioned as I conversed with the older ones.

The joy in this is that although kids are very literal at this age when encouraged to imagine, they come up with some good stuff.

This book fosters imagination, decision-making, and the ability to converse during something as simple yet fun as a playdate. i

Children need to learn these skills early on so that as they grow older, it will be second nature to include someone new into their current circle of comfort.

This book should be included in toddler and preschool classrooms for that reason. I will recommend it to some of my friends who are still teaching.

PURCHASE LINKS


Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kat Chen is the author of several bestselling contemporary and historical romance books. She also serves on the advisory board for Books for Newborns.

After becoming a grandmother and spending most of her free time helping with “the fun stuff”—conversations, crayons, and crawling—she was inspired to delve into children’s books and help kids master the art of simple conversation through shared play.

Learn more about Kat and her work at kat-chen.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR


Lorraine Nam is an illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. She was born in Philadelphia and spent her childhood drawing pictures and folding origami to pass the time at her parents’ jewelry store. She now spends her days combining those two loves to create her illustrations.

She is the illustrator of the picture book biography on Neil deGrasse Tyson, Look Up With Me, and the upcoming Wei Skates On, by Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen.

Learn more about Lorraine and her work at www.lorrainename.com.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Play with Me

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Me Two Books

Author Interview with Kat Chen

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Star Girls Magical Tale

Book Review of Play with Me

Friday, April 5, 2024

Book Zone Reviews

Book Review of Play with Me

Monday, April 8, 2024

Cover Lover Book Review

Book Review of Play with Me

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Play with Me

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog

Book Review of Play with Me

Thursday, April 11, 2024

One More Exclamation

Book Review of Play with Me

Friday, April 12, 2024

Country Mamas with Kids

Book Review of Play with Me

Monday, April 15, 2024

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of Play with Me

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

The Fairview Review

Book Review of Play with Me

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Life is What it’s called

Author Interview with Kat Chen

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Froggy Read Teach

Book Review of Play with Me

Friday, April 19, 2024

A Blue Box Full Of Books

Instagram and TikTok Post

Monday, April 22, 2024

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Guest Post

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Confessions of a Book Addict

Play with Me Book Spotlight



GIVEAWAY


Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Play with Me and a $25 Amazon gift card!



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