Eric Carle, Eric Carle’s Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Other Nursery Rhymes, Penguin Random House, January 2022, 10 pp., RRP $19.99 (board), ISBN 9780593224311
My baby grandchild (now 4 months) watched attentively as I showed her the illustrations in Eric Carle’s new board book Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Other Nursery Rhymes whilst I sang the nursery rhyme lyrics on each page. This new book in The world of Eric Carle board book series is a lovely accompaniment to five well known nursery rhymes – Wheels on the bus, Hickory dickory dock, Old MacDonald, Incy wincy spider and Twinkle, twinkle little star.
The illustrations are typical of Carle’s famous bold, bright, distinctive, and clear style which has endured for over 50 years because it is so appealing and accessible for young children. The lift-the-flap element holds my grandbaby’s attention with surprise reveals of hidden images. Another interactive element, for the older little ones, is a little image of the very hungry caterpillar to find on each double spread page.
I also love that it’s in board book format!! Now that my toddler grandchild loves handling books (with a good deal of vigour), I’m thrilled when their favourites come in sturdy board book format.
I highly recommend this new Eric Carle book for babies and toddlers – and of course the adults who love reading to them.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
