Press Here
A paper book that behaves like an iPad, and it is better than an iPad.
Why they ask for it again
Press the dot, turn the page, and the dot has multiplied. Kids honestly believe they did that, and that belief is magic.
Our review
A yellow dot. A line of text asking you to press it. Turn the page and now there are two. Rub it, shake the book, tilt it, blow on it, clap, and the dots respond on the next spread, sliding, growing and scattering, with no batteries or screens anywhere.
Children are not fooled so much as delighted to play along, and the design is so clean that it would look at home in a gallery. It works especially well for wriggly kids who will not sit still for a story, and it works in any language, since the words are so few.
How to read it aloud
Act astonished every time. Then close the book and ask them to explain to you how it works. That conversation is half the fun.
The catch
There is no story at all, so kids looking for characters may drift off after a couple of goes.
Is it scary?
Nothing scary. It is coloured dots.
Books like Press Here, and what to read next
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!Keeps the child in control of what happens in the book.
We're Going on a Bear HuntAnother whole-body read for kids who cannot sit still.
Dear ZooFor younger siblings who want the same hands-on feeling.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is Press Here for?
Ages 2–6. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 2 to 4.
How long does Press Here take to read aloud?
About 4 minutes at a calm bedtime pace, by our estimate. Allow longer if you do the voices.
Is Press Here scary?
Nothing scary. It is coloured dots.
What should we read after Press Here?
We would suggest Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Dear Zoo.