A Splash of Fun in La ranita verde
As I sunk into the oh-so-cozy corner of our living room, the chaos around me settled, if only for a moment. My toddler, Mateo, was twirling around in his own little world—a swirl of energy and giggles. Bedtime stories are our special time, tangled up in cuddles, and lately, every evening felt like a negotiation. Should I brave a complex tale or stick with one that has engaging illustrations and flaps to lift? "La ranita verde / Little Green Frog" from Cottage Door Press caught my eye, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
This adorable, chunky board book introduces us to a little green frog who joyfully hops around his pond, introducing his friends: ducks, fish, turtles, and more. The simple sentences make it an accessible read for the littlest ones while reinforcing future language structure—a parent’s dream! At just 12 pages long, it’s perfect for those nights when Mateo’s eyes start to droop (even if he doesn’t want to admit it yet).
The illustrations are nothing short of delightful! Bright and vibrant, they capture Mateo’s wide eyes and spark plenty of giggles as he points and identifies each animal. The cheerful colors and friendly faces jumped off the pages, grabbing his attention and holding it firmly throughout the story. “Look, Mama! The duck!” he exclaimed, lifting the flap to reveal the cheerful waterfowl hidden beneath. The flaps are wonderfully sturdy too, allowing little hands to open and close them with ease, much to Mateo’s delight.
One of my favorite moments came when Mateo turned to me with a grin that could light up the room, exclaiming, “Mama, the turtle is hiding!” It’s these small pieces of joy, these fleeting moments of discovery, that make reading together such a treasure.
Not only does the interactive element of lifting flaps spark his curiosity, but it also engages his fine motor skills. I’ve noticed an improvement in his dexterity as he eagerly opens each flap several times over, giggling and bouncing in his seat as he does.
If you’re a parent of babies or toddlers, I can wholeheartedly recommend "La ranita verde" as a captivating choice for your little ones. The book is sturdy enough to survive enthusiastic little hands and charming enough to become a beloved part of your bedtime routine. I especially think this would be perfect for families who enjoy bilingual reading—sharing stories in Spanish is something we treasure in our home and this book is a lovely addition to our library.
In a sea of toddler books, "La ranita verde" has become a firm family favorite. It’s that sweet blend of education, joy, and quality bonding time that wraps around us like a cozy blanket at the end of a long day. So grab this book, snuggle up with your little ones, and let the adventures by the pond begin! 🌿🐸
Hop into reading fun with La ranita verde! >>
