A Heartfelt Review of First 100 Animals
As a mom to two energetic little explorers, my evenings often turn into a delightful jumble of bedtime stories, giggles, and the inevitable "just one more book!" Recently, we stumbled upon First 100 Animals by Priddy Books during one of our library trips. With its eye-catching cover and promise of vibrant animal photographs, it quickly became our new bedtime ritual. After 25 years of inspiring little learners, it’s no surprise that this book has captured both my children’s imaginations and my heart.
The premise of First 100 Animals is wonderfully simple yet effective: it introduces little ones to 100 different animals, each accompanied by clear, colorful photographs. On some nights, as I flipped through the pages filled with everything from common pets to exotic creatures, my kids pointed excitedly at the animals, shouting their names with sheer joy. This book not only helps them learn animal names but also sparks their curiosity about the world around them. For my three-year-old, this meant confidently announcing “kangaroo!” upon seeing a page we’d read previously.
The sturdy, padded cover is perfect for tiny hands, and the thick board pages hold up against enthusiastic page-turning (and occasional accidental drooling!). I found it incredibly refreshing to witness their eyes light up while flipping through the pages. It was if I could see their minds absorbing a little piece of each animal’s essence.
One evening, while we were reading, my youngest pointed to a moth and exclaimed, "Look, a butterfly!" I chuckled, gently correcting him while feeling a little swell of pride. Within moments, he was showcasing his newfound vocabulary by naming the animals as we turned each page. The book’s structure promotes not just reading, but interaction—it’s like having a little conversation with my kids about animals. The photographs are not illustrations but real animals, making it easier for my kids to connect what they see in the book with the natural world.
Truthfully, this book has become more than just a read-aloud for us; it serves as a fun learning tool that promotes curiosity. It’s been a conversation starter, too! Just the other day, during a snack time, my kids started pointing out their favorite animals from the book, which turned into a playful game of "animal sounds."
I recommend First 100 Animals for ages 1 to 3, especially if you have curious toddlers or babies who love interactive moments. Its toughness makes it an excellent choice for parents who need something durable for travel or chaotic grocery trips—because let’s be honest, there’s nothing cuter than seeing a toddler "reading" to their stuffed animals!
In a nutshell, First 100 Animals has earned its place on our bookshelf. It’s not just a one-time read; it’s become a beloved family favorite. In a world filled with endless choices, this book truly stands out as a bridge connecting little hearts to the wonder of animals, leaving us, as parents, with beautiful memories of laughter and learning. So grab a copy, snuggle up, and enjoy the delightful chaos of little voices calling out their animal friends!
Discover adorable animals with First 100 Animals from the bestselling series! >>
