Discovering Sign with Blue: A Mom’s Heartfelt Review
As a mom, I often find myself immersed in the delightful chaos of bedtime routines. Between chasing after my toddler and settling down my preschooler, I sometimes crave those quiet, cuddle-filled moments that calm our busy day. That’s when we stumbled upon Sign with Blue! (Blue’s Clues & You): An Introduction to Sign Language. Honestly, it was like a beacon of joy, calling to us on one of those especially hectic evenings.
If you’ve ever had one of those days where you realize you’re talking to your toddlers about more than just "please" and "thank you," this book is a truly special find. Co-authored by the charming Joshua Dela Cruz, who plays Josh on the beloved Nickelodeon series, it introduces American Sign Language in the warm, familiar style that Blue’s Clues is known for. My kids were immediately captivated by Blue and her friends!
The book is a colorful board book filled with sturdy pages, perfect for little hands navigating through ages 0 to 3. What struck me was how it effortlessly combines essential signs—like “hello,” “more,” and “thank you”—with engaging visuals and straightforward descriptions. During our first read together, my four-year-old, Ellie, couldn’t take her eyes off the illustrations. She pointed and exclaimed with delight, echoing each sign as we went along. It felt like we were part of an interactive lesson right from the living room couch!
I was genuinely surprised by the depth of engagement this simple book brought into our reading practice. It sparked a newfound excitement in both my kids. Whenever we flipped to a page with a new sign, my two-year-old, Ben, would mimic the gestures with enthusiasm. We’ve now turned learning these signs into a delightful daily habit—some days we even break into spontaneous signing sessions over breakfast!
What I particularly loved was how the book blends fun with education. The signs are simple enough for young children to grasp, and the colorful, playful illustrations kept my kids giggling. We have our favorites—a particularly funny page depicts Blue getting ready for her bath, and the sign for “bath” always elicits a fit of giggles from my little ones as we all pretend to splash in the water!
I can whole-heartedly recommend Sign with Blue! for any parent looking to introduce their little ones to sign language in a joyful, engaging manner. Whether your child is a Blue’s Clues fan or a curious toddler in need of a new way to express themselves, this book is a perfect gateway. It’s not just a one-time read for us; it’s quickly becoming a family staple in our nightly routine, and I can see it making a delightful gift for birthdays or holidays in our community.
In a world where communication often feels rushed and chaotic, Sign with Blue offers a gentle reminder that there are numerous ways to express love and connect. It touched my heart and created those cozy moments I cherish most as a parent. No more bedtime battles—just a blossoming love for words, gestures, and the timeless joy of learning together!
