Embracing Shapes: A Journey with My Little Ones
As a busy mom of two—all under the age of four—I always find myself looking for those precious moments of connection amidst the chaos. The other evening, after a day filled with toddler tantrums and baby giggles, my three-year-old, Ella, excitedly yelled, “Mommy, look! I can see a circle!” (Her latest discovery from playtime). It was during these sweet moments that I stumbled upon Shapes (Baby’s First Library) by White Star.
This delightful little board book is part of a series aimed at developing visual skills in newborns and infants. As soon as I opened it, I was charmed by its simplicity and how it captures the very essence of shapes—circle, square, rectangle, triangle, and half-moon—using bold black, white, and red illustrations. These are the first colors that babies can perceive, making them perfect for our younger family members.
Ella, my curious little learner, eagerly flipped through the pages, her tiny fingers tracing the shapes while her baby brother, Max, who just turned six months, stared wide-eyed at the engaging visuals. The combination of high-contrast colors and straightforward designs held their attention remarkably well. It was like watching a light bulb switch on for both of them as they navigated through this simple yet enriching experience.
One feature I particularly enjoyed was the way it invites interaction—“What shape is this?”—I’d ask, giving Ella the chance to demonstrate her newfound knowledge. With each turn of the page, I could almost hear her tiny brain whirring, piecing together the patterns in a world filled with shapes. The illustrations are clean and bold, making the shapes distinctly recognizable, which helped build her confidence.
We had our sweet little moments of giggles, too. Ella laughed out loud at the triangle page, declaring it “the pizza shape!" (Definitely a family favorite!). Max, meanwhile, responded with delighted coos, waving his arms whenever I mimicked the book’s shapes with my fingers, a small imitator in the making.
In terms of read-aloud appeal, the rhythmic simplicity of the text made it a pleasure to read. I could feel my tone rise and fall with excitement as I pointed out each shape. The cozy vibe it created during our bedtime routine was simply delightful—a moment where learning and love intertwined beautifully.
Now, if you’re wondering whether this book is a one-time read, let me say: it’s not! This little gem has become a staple in our bedtime routine. I’d highly recommend Shapes for infants up to one year, or for any little ones beginning to explore their world through colors and shapes. It is perfect for little hands eager to turn pages and big imaginations waiting to learn.
Ultimately, Shapes captured not just my kids’ hearts, but also mine—as it reminded me of the importance of these tender moments in our busy lives. Each time I read it, it feels like I’m igniting a spark of curiosity, and as a mom, that is the most beautiful gift of all.
Discover delightful shapes with Baby’s First Library! >>
