The Magic of Moveable Books: Five Imagination Inspiring Interactive Books

Remember being a kid and reaching into a book, trying to grab the pictures, wishing they were real? It’s okay if you don’t because it might have been a while ago! But I’m sure you’ve seen your little one wanting to touch, taste, and discover the secrets of their favorite board books. 

Moveable books let your child interact even more with the print medium. That’s why we’re sharing five interactive books to spark your child’s imagination with their magical secrets! 

Show Your Colors 

Created by Smriti Prasadam-Halls & Edward Underwood

In a rhyming board book for the very young, each animal has a color to show off--but watch out for the surprise pop-up at the end!

From a duck with soft brown feathers to a donkey with strong white teeth, from a macaw with purple feathers to a fish with yellow fins, each animal on these cheery pages is happy to point out its special color. But what happens when Spider Jack pops up at the end to show off his long black legs? The rhythmic, singsong text combined with crisp, simple illustrations will have toddlers giggling along as they learn their colors.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1630529

The Very Busy Spider

Eric Carle

A VERY classic from Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Early one morning a little spider spins her web on a fence post. One by one, the animals of the nearby farm try to distract her, yet the busy little spider keeps diligently at her work. When she is done, she is able to show everyone that not only is her creation quite beautiful, it is also quite useful!

This multi-sensory book allows children to feel the pictures as well as see them. And with its rhythmic text, The Very Busy Spider becomes an experience to touch, to see, and to hear.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C128582

Dear Zoo

Rod Campbell 

Young readers will love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent as potential pets--a monkey, a lion, and even an elephant! But will they ever find the perfect fit for the family?

With bright, bold artwork, a catchy refrain, and a whole host of furry friends, Dear Zoo is a must-have for every child's bookshelf. 

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C104001

The publisher's website also has some fun activities and printouts for your child: https://www.panmacmillan.com/dear-zoo 

Mouse's Wood: A Year in Nature 

Alice Melvin 

An exquisitely illustrated novelty picture book with die-cut flaps that follows the woodland ramblings of Mouse through the change in seasons.  

Written in a gentle rhyme that reflects the slow pace of Mouse's rambling journey, and illustrated in the inimitable style of Alice Melvin, Mouse's Wood is a heart-warming celebration of slow living in nature. 

The story follows Mouse, who first ventures out in wintry January to visit his friend Squirrel. Mouse moves on to wake up Hedgehog for the arrival of spring and as he continues along the path in the wood, Mouse's journey from friend to friend maps out the changes in seasons from January through to December, from picnicking among the bluebells with Mole in May and picking berries with Dormouse in June, to taking refuge in Fox's cozy caravan as winter draws in.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1459308

Happy, Healthy Monsters 

Lori Froeb 

With the help of Elmo and his friends from Sesame Street, it's easy and fun for little ones to learn healthy and hygienic habits.  

Since 1969, generations of parents have trusted Sesame Street to help their kids learn not only numbers and letters, but to be smarter, stronger, and kinder. Following Let's Go Potty, Elmo! comes Happy, Healthy Monsters, a bright, colorful, and fun book for preschoolers that shows kids how to take care of themselves. In this timely but gentle title about the importance of cleanliness and staying safe, kids learn why hand-washing is a good thing to do through a catchy song from their favorite little red monster, Elmo. With the help of their friends on Sesame Street and this educational, interactive book, little readers can stay happy and healthy! 

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1351718