*Press Here by Herve Tullet

*Press Here by Herve Tullet.  Chronicle Books, 2011.  56 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4

Recommended for: Ages 0-4 and up

Those of you who know my mixed feelings about book “apps” may understand why I’m glad to hear about a picture book that’s taking the preschool set by storm.   Press Here is the title.  “Press here” is also the operating principle, whereby little ones and their older read-alouders can interact with a book by doing the action and turning a page.  Originally published in France as Un Livre, by Herve Tullet, the English version was released by Chronicle in April and soon climbed to the top ten on the Publishers Weekly picture book bestseller list.  “I haven’t quite entirely figured out what makes it work so incredibly well,” says the book’s American publisher, going on to say that it probably has something to do with making the young audience feel empowered.  “At the same time, you come to realize that the book is controlling you as you follow its directions, and there is that security and safety of being told what to do in life.”   A pretty good description of what it’s like to be a three-year-old.  Some have said that Press Here is “anti-app,” in that it has the interactivity of an app without electronics.  I just think it’s a nifty idea, and may just help awaken little children to the joy of turning actual pages.  Amazon has sample pages as well as a video showing how it works: press here!

Cautions: None

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 4
• Artistic value: 5

Purchase Press Here from Amazon.