I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is written voluntarily. In addition, this post contains affiliate links which may earn me a percentage of the cost of the book. This will not increase your pricing.
Play With Me by Kat Chen Illustrator: Lorraine Nam
Series: A Playdate Book #1
Published by Rise x Penguin Workshop on April 2, 2024
ISBN: 978-0593659717
Genres: Children's Friendship Books
Pages: 24
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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.
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.
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.
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