I’m not sure why I do this to myself. I guess it’s because I like to see my children’s faces light up with excitement. I love to encourage their love of books and reading. And sometimes, I just want to get through a trip to Target with minimal distraction.
What is it I do? I buy L. books that make noise. Lots of noise. Loud noise.
Clearly, it’s not enough that he has toys that make noise. I’ve even managed to turn a quiet activity like reading into a less-than-silent endeavor.
But you know what? He loves them. Treasures them. Gives them an honored spot in his bed every night. So I guess they’re worth it.
L.’s favorite noisy books at the moment are:
1. Mickey Mouse: Around the Clubhouse
This short book has a disjointed and confusing plot. Pluto finds a crayon. Pluto and Mickey talk to Donald. Goofy needs a watering can. And then everyone goes for a ride in the Toon Car. Or something like that.
See? No plot.
But what it does have makes up for the lack of plot, at least as far as L. is concerned. There are colorful pictures, some of L.’s favorite characters, and most importantly: buttons along the side of the book that, when pressed, play a song or make a silly noise that in some way represents the picture.
Each page of the book indicates which button or buttons should be pressed during that part of the “story” and L. has the system down pat. I read; he pushes buttons. And then after he’s tucked in bed, he continues to press the buttons until long after he should be asleep.
2. The Wonder Pets: Save the Baby Kitten
This is L.’s latest book acquisition, picked up at Target about two weeks ago.
In this book about the all-too-familiar Linny, Tuck, and Ming-Ming (too), each page contains the lyrics to a short song, and a corresponding button (again, all located along the side of the book). When a button is pressed, music emerges from the little speaker, and the reader of the book (usually me, of course) is left to sing the song along to the tinny little tune.
In addition to the buttons and the singing, this book is a pop-up book. Which L. loved a little too much, seeing as several of the pop-up parts have been removed from the book for additional “examination” by my little book-lover. Oh well, the missing parts haven’t diminished his love of the book in the least.
Just the other night, as Chad and I were getting ready for bed, we heard the tune of “Wonder Pets! Wonder Pets! We’re on our way!” come through the baby monitor. We just looked at each other. No, he wasn’t asleep yet. But he was enjoying his book. And kids enjoying books is a good thing.
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This post is part of 5 Minutes for Books’ monthly carnival, Kids’ Picks. Click the graphic below to visit other participants or to submit your own post.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t like the LOUD books either.
(:
For a mommy who enjoys QUIET, this is a nightmare. ; ) Isn’t reading supposed to be a quiet activity?!?!
No, really–whatever gets the kiddos to enjoy reading–that’s a good thing!
I made it through 2 kids without loud books. Then #3 came along and someone *cough*my mother*cough* couldn’t resist to give her a loud book. Not any loud book, one in which my daughter made me sing along with … every night. The following Christmas it happened again *cough*my mother*cough*. This time a piano playing Dora. :::sigh:::
How long does one need to keep a gift before it can head to the yard sale pile?
As an aunt, I’ve always made it my goal to choose those delightful noisy books as gifts for my nieces and nephews. Secretly, I always had fun annoying people at the store while “choosing” them – must make sure ALL the buttons work, you know!
My kiddo always LOVED noisy books. He’s 7, and he STILL enjoys them … especially the Star Wars ones. The only time it drove me crazy is when he’d “read” the Transportation book in bed at night … it had, among other obnoxious sounds, a train whistle and a tug boat’s fog horn.
I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one who does this. =D Noisy books are GREAT kid occupiers. Sigh . . .
ooo I am with you.. they love them we don’t love them.. but they love them so we keep reading them. Some of ours go to “sleep” for a few weeks
My daughter has an “animal sounds on the farm” book. The recordings are actual animals — horses braying, pigs oinking, etc. She loves it that gift from her grandmother (note: *not* her mommy).
My kids have both loved these as well, and we have many of them. All received as gifts from generous relatives. I actually can deal with the types you posted above; we have a Pooh one similar to the Mickey Mouse book and you’re right, there is no plot. It’s the ones that are songs that I’m supposed to sing along with that I can’t stand. Books with sound effects at least foster the love of books – books that make me sing just irritate me.
I agree that all sorts of books have their proper place. Noisy ones are more like toys and are a way for pre-readers to entertain themselves, so sometimes the sacrifice is worth it.
At least we know you are doing a true “Kids’ Pick!” There is no denying that children absolutely love these! And we even have a Bob The Builder one with a clock on it that has actually helped Timothy start learning the time. Great post!
I hated noisy books and therefore the only ones we owned came via the grandmother who, by the way, also had a penchant for ANY battery operated toy, most particularly remote control vehicles whose remote capabilities lasted an hour and half, tops.
Needless to say, I am glad we are out of that stage. There are indeed benefits to your children growing up!
And how cute is it that your C. comments?
LOL. My kids loved those books as do the dayhome kids.