Hide and Seek

Jez Alborough‏
Young readers will delight in searching for Hippo, Snake, Tortoise, Toucan, and the other animal friends concealed on each colorful flip-the-flap page. Color illustrations.
My newly started pre-schooler chose this book from the pre-school library. Joshua is enjoying learning about different animals at the moment and naming them all, the minute he saw the frog on the front cover and was able to articulate ‘It’s a frog on a beach!’ the decision was made.
This is a very simple and enjoyable read. ‘Frog’ introduces himself and explains he is playing hide and seek but can’t see his friends. On each page there is a smaller page (flap) to turn and the hidden animal with whom he is playing is revealed.
My pre-schooler studied each page intently looking for the hidden animals and loved turning the flap with a loud ‘Boo!’ as the animal’s hiding place was revealed. Each page and hiding spot is in a different part of the jungle – the forest, the beach, by the waterfall and Joshua and I ended up having a great conversation about where different animals live. It’s a short read, but a fun one and Joshua has ‘read’ it several times during the week or so that we’ve been borrowing it. The text is repetitive but that’s great for little ones who love to repeat and anticipate what’s coming next.
Verdict: A simply written and fun book which has been thoroughly enjoyed by Joshua and I. I have a feeling that this won’t be the last time this book will be borrowed!
Reviewed by Lesley