Do you like cryptology? Do you like flap book board books? Do you like to read books? Do you like to read books to little children? Do you like to have little ones laugh at funny antics of babies and
toddlers like them?
Then you must have the Elias Barks series Hazy Dell Flap Book of baby monsters: Yeti Baby!, Mothman Baby!, Nessie Baby! Bigfoot Baby!, Vampire Baby!, Pumpkin Baby!; Alien Baby!, and finally Krampus Baby! (And when you are done with those you can go onto the Hazy Dell Love & Nurture Books, I’m Programed to Love You and I Believe in You.
Each book is in the “who is hiding under the rock?” style with then the reveal: It is Mothman Baby! (or Yeti, Alien, Pumpkin, etc.). You follow them throughout the book with their silly, delightful, mischievous adventures. Oddly enough, the Vampire and Pumpkin Babies were my least favorite as they were a generic monster and not a “named monster” like Nessie or Krampus. But when I say least favorite, I mean the favorites are a five and the rest are 4.99999999999999. There really is no difference.
And with I’m Programed to Love You and I Believe in You you have a feel-good story that is the parent talking to the child. These would make fun calming down stories (nap or bedtime) as they are mentioned how the narrator loves the child, how they believe they can do things and other comforting ideas. These are adorable, simple, quick board books that are great for a new baby gift or for a first birthday gift. They work well for a slightly older sibling as well.
Zoe Persico, Meg Hunt, Gemma Roman, and George Bletsis are the various illustrators. Each one is colorful, filled just right for details and are sweet and simple, but keeps your attention as an adult. And as mentioned, things are colorful enough to keep the babies or toddlers’ attention. The hidden flap aspect always keeps me entertained, so I am sure your child or grandchildren will be mesmerized, too.
