Discovering Patterns: A Heartfelt Review of My First Book of Patterns
As a mom navigating the delicious chaos of bedtime routines, I often find myself searching for ways to calm the storm of giggles and wiggles before tucking my little ones in. One evening, after what felt like an Olympic event of wrangling pajamas and brushing teeth, I found My First Book of Patterns by the talented Debbie Mumm snug in our reading nook. With both kids plopped beside me, their eyes wide with curiosity, I hoped this colorful book would resonate with their natural inquisitiveness—and oh, it did!
This charming book introduces little ones to the world of patterns in a way that is as engaging as it is educational. It kicks off with the basics, like stripes and polka dots, and guides children through recognizing simple shapes before showcasing how these elements come together to form delightful patterns. As a parent, I appreciate books that not only entertain but also foster learning, and this one does it beautifully. My kids were mesmerized as we explored everything from plaid to chevron—each page inviting them to notice the patterns all around us, sparking conversations about the clothes they wore and the décor on our walls.
The illustrations? Absolutely candy-colored, bursting with energy! Each page is so vividly drawn, capturing the joy and simplicity of patterns in a way that keeps even my youngest, at 2, engaged. Watching my preschooler point out circles that turned into polka dots brought a smile to my face. “Look, Mom! It’s like my balls in the backyard!” He exclaimed, joy lighting up his little face, and in that moment, I felt like we had cracked a code together.
One precious moment I’ll always remember was when my 3-year-old exclaimed, “That’s like my shoes!” when we reached the page featuring stripes. It was one of those sweet reminders of how connected they feel to the world around them. As I read aloud, the rhythmic repetition and sing-song nature of the text made it not only easy for them to follow but also fun to read aloud. I couldn’t help but share a little giggle when they tried to mimic all the different patterns with their arms and feet. Imagine my little artist, flailing about, claiming he was a “polka dot!”
I can’t recommend My First Book of Patterns enough for parents and caregivers of kids aged 1 to 3. This book strikes a lovely balance between education and engagement, making it a worthy addition to your bedtime repertoire. Whether you’re a math enthusiast hoping to mold a budding engineer or just a parent looking for a lively read-aloud to spark your child’s imagination, this book is sure to be cherished.
In our home, we’ve found a new favorite in My First Book of Patterns, and I’m thankful for the joyful moments it has given us—the laughter, the sweet observations, and the connections to our everyday lives. Better still, it has transformed those pre-bedtime squabbles into peaceful, giggle-filled learning moments. If you’re looking for a book that will help teach your kids while infusing some laughter and connection into your evening routine, this one is absolutely worth the read!
