Finding Feelings through Flaps: A Review of Babies Love Feelings
As a mom navigating the beautifully chaotic world of young children, I always cherish those quiet moments snuggled up with a book. Recently, I found myself in one of those transitional moments, a perfect storm of curiosity and bedtime struggles. My two-year-old, Sam, had been feeling all sorts of emotions—sometimes giggling, other times bursting into tears over a missing toy. It was in this mist of toddler feelings that we discovered Babies Love Feelings by Cottage Door Press.
This delightful lift-a-flap board book captures the essence of feelings through colorful illustrations and simple rhyming text. Each page introduces a different emotion—happy, sad, silly, and even scared—with bright and cheerful images that instantly grabbed Sam’s attention. The sturdy flaps were an absolute hit! From the moment we opened the book, he couldn’t resist lifting the flaps to reveal adorable surprises underneath. Watching him squeal with delight upon uncovering the "silly" page was priceless. It reminded me of how emotions, much like the flaps, can hide and transform right before our eyes!
As we flipped through the pages, I noticed how the themes presented were not only relatable but also necessary for young minds learning to navigate their worlds. The simplicity of identifying emotions through images and colors resonated with Sam, who would point and say, “Happy, Mommy! Sad!” This not only sparked conversations between us but also encouraged Sam to articulate his feelings. I found myself sharing stories from my childhood that mirrored the emotions we were exploring, making reading a two-way street filled with learning and laughter.
The illustrations themselves were nothing short of captivating. They are bold and engaging, designed just right for little hands and curious minds. I loved the way each emotion was depicted; the characters had such expressive faces that my kids couldn’t help but mimic the emotions, making it a fun little game during our reading time. We giggled as Sam pretended to be "angry" and huffed and puffed for the sake of making Mommy laugh.
One of my favorite moments was when we encountered the "sleepy" page. As he yawned in sync with the illustrations, I felt a warm glow of connection pass between us. It struck me that these moments—however simple they may seem—are profound and help him process the emotional rollercoaster that is toddler life. It was like giving name tags to his little feelings!
Babies Love Feelings has quickly become a part of our nightly routine. I recommend it for kids aged 1-3, especially for those who are just starting to explore and express their emotions. It’s an ideal gift for any parent grappling with the challenges of emotions in the early years, as well as for parents who crave those interactive, lively reads that create connections both on and off the page.
In a world where emotions can feel overwhelming for our little ones, this book serves as a gentle guide, reminding both of us that it’s okay to feel—and it’s even better to share those feelings together. So, grab a cozy blanket, pick up this book, and lift those flaps to embark on an emotional adventure with your little one. Trust me; you’ll be glad you did!
Dive into a world of feelings with this charming lift-a-flap board book! >>
