Cozy Moments with “Clifford’s Peekaboo”
As a mom navigating the delightful chaos of bedtime routines, I often find myself in search of the perfect book to wind down the day. It’s always a delightful struggle—flipping through our ever-growing collection, trying to find something that triggers giggles and captures their curiosity. Recently, I stumbled upon Clifford’s Peekaboo by Norman Bridwell, and it quickly became a bedtime staple in our home.
In this charming little board book, our beloved big red dog, Clifford, engages in a playful game of hide-and-seek. Each turn of the page invites my little ones to guess where Clifford might be hiding. The simple premise gets them involved—"Is he under the rug? Behind the tree?" The thrill of the reveal keeps their little eyes wide with anticipation, and I adore watching them giggle as they discover Clifford nestled in silly spots. At just 16 pages long, it’s perfect for the quick bedtime reads that keep their attention, especially when they’re full of energy and wrestling sleep.
The illustrations are bright and colorful—just like Clifford! They spark joy and imagination in my toddlers. The pages seem to vibrate with life, filled with expressions that draw my kids in deeper with every flip. My daughter, fascinated with colors, points joyfully to each vibrant character, while my son loves shouting "Peekaboo!" at the top of his lungs. It’s a sweet sound that echoes through the room—there’s nothing quite like the laughter of your little ones.
One of my favorite moments, however, was discovering how my son decided to improvise his own version of peekaboo, ducking behind the couch during our reading time, shouting, “Mom, I’m Clifford!” These spontaneous bursts of playfulness remind me of the joys of imagination at this age—a fleeting magic I cherish deeply. Just a simple line like "Where oh where can he be?" inspired him to explore around the room rather than just being a passive listener.
Now, the critiques! While some parents mentioned a misconception about flaps, I was pleasantly surprised that the book doesn’t actually have them. Instead, it relies on the power of anticipation and simple questions that my kids can easily respond to. They love settling into my lap, each page revealing an unexpected surprise.
I’d happily recommend Clifford’s Peekaboo to parents with toddlers ages 18 months to 4 years, especially if their little ones are fans of interactive play and picture books that stimulate imagination. Whether you’re introducing storytelling to your tiny reader or nurturing a love for Clifford, this little gem has quickly become a new favorite in our collection.
Clifford’s antics remind me that amidst the craziness of parenting, we can create simple, joyful moments together—reflecting on what it means to be a big kid or a tiny one, and the beauty of having this story unfold at our fingertips. Each read is a gentle reminder that sometimes, it’s the simplest stories that leave the hugest impact.