In the 1930s children's books primarily offered traditional stories through printed words and illustrations. The color palette was limited, vividness was rare, and the physical formats were starkly different. Then in 1940, Dorothy Kunhardt, a dedicated and innovative children's book author, sat in an attic workroom, surrounded by paint pots, fabric remnants, and glue. Her aspiration to communicate with children in unique and engaging ways led her to craft a revolutionary concept that transformed the landscape of children's books. What emerged from that very attic was "Pat the Bunny," a simple yet groundbreaking story that pioneered interactive elements, captivating readers and changing the course of children's literature for over 80 years. This is the start of sensory books.
What Are Sensory Books?
Sensory books, also known as touch and feel books, are a special category of children's literature designed to stimulate a child's senses. They go beyond the traditional paper pages and incorporate various elements such as different textures, flaps to lift, sounds to hear, and even scents to smell.
These multi-sensory features are carefully integrated into the storytelling, creating a truly immersive reading experience for children. Sensory books aim to engage six of the human senses – vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell and proprioception. Proprioception is your body's sense of understanding its position, movement, and spatial orientation without relying on vision.
The Benefits of Sensory Books
Sensory books are more than just a delightful addition to a child's bookshelf. They can play a pivotal role in early childhood development. These books engage various senses, fostering not only a love for reading but also contributing significantly to a child's cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
As per: Pink S (2009) Principles for sensory ethnography: Perception, place, knowing, memory and imagination. In: Doing Sensory Ethnography. London: SAGE, pp.
Developmental Benefits of Sensory Books
1. Sensory Stimulation:
Sensory books provide an avenue for babies and toddlers to engage their senses actively. By exploring different textures, sounds, and visual elements, they develop a deeper awareness of the world around them. The tactile engagement supports fine motor skills and sensory perception, crucial for their overall development.
2. Cognitive Development:
Interacting with the multi-sensory elements of these books assists in cognitive development. For instance, a child tapping a textured surface and feeling its roughness develops an understanding of different textures and the associated vocabulary.
3. Language and Communication Skills:
Through interaction with sensory books, babies not only absorb new words and concepts but also learn to express what they perceive. Describing textures, naming objects, and discussing what they experience fosters language development and communication skills.
4. Emotional Well-being:
Sensory books can offer comfort and reassurance to toddlers. The interactive nature of these books often creates a safe space for children, nurturing emotional well-being and a sense of security.
5. Social Interaction and Bonding:
Reading sensory books with caregivers or peers can be an interactive and bonding experience. Encouraging a child to describe what they feel and see promotes social interaction and strengthens relationships.
6. Early Literacy Development:
The engagement with sensory books sparks an early interest in reading and learning, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of books. This early exposure significantly contributes to developing strong literacy skills.
Best Sensory Books for Babies & Toddlers
Here is a list of some of the best sensory books that children will enjoy!
Pat the Bunny
With over 10 million copies sold, "Pat the Bunny" is a classic touch-and-feel book that invites toddlers to explore different textures and engage in interactive activities, offering a simple, enjoyable experience. With its engaging design, this book has captivated young readers for many years, providing an interactive and sensory journey.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is a beloved sensory book for babies that follows the journey of a caterpillar as it eats various foods and transforms into a beautiful butterfly. It has completely vibrant illustrations and a simple storyline, that has entertained and educated young readers for generations.
Never Touch a Dragon
"Never Touch a Dragon" is an imaginative book that warns against touching dragons while featuring silicone touchpads on each page. This interactive book engages babies in a playful and cautionary tale, inviting them to explore different textures and enjoy a whimsical storytelling experience.
Where Is Baby's Belly Button?
"Where Is Baby's Belly Button?" is an interactive lift-the-flap book designed to engage toddlers in a delightful game of hide-and-seek. With its simple yet entertaining approach, this sensory book encourages tactile exploration and captivates the curiosity of little readers.
Baby's Very First Noisy Nursery Rhymes
"Baby's Very First Noisy Nursery Rhymes" is an engaging sensory book that transports infants and toddlers into the enchanting world of classic nursery rhymes. Through vibrant illustrations and captivating sounds, this book introduces babies to the joy of rhymes in a fun and interactive way.
Never Touch a Monster
"Never Touch a Monster" is an imaginative and interactive sensory book that encourages toddlers to use their imagination while exploring various textures. With colorful illustrations and touch elements, this book takes babies on an exciting journey filled with playful monsters, fostering both creativity and sensory exploration.
Bright Baby Baby Animals: Touch and Feel
"Bright Baby Baby Animals: Touch and Feel" introduces children to the captivating world of baby animals through a multisensory experience. With its engaging touch-and-feel elements, the book allows toddlers to explore different textures, fostering a learning adventure while discovering adorable baby animals.
See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book
"See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book", offers a multi-sensory journey that ignites curiosity and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. With vibrant illustrations and interactive features, this book engages toddlers in exploring various textures and shapes, encouraging sensory exploration.
Bright Baby On the Farm: Touch and Feel
"Bright Baby On the Farm: Touch and Feel" invites children on an interactive journey to experience life on a farm through touch and exploration. With its engaging elements and vivid illustrations, this book allows babies to discover different textures and farm-related items, creating an enjoyable and educational adventure for little hands and curious minds.
That’s Not My Dinosaur
"That's Not My Dinosaur" is part of the well-liked "That's Not My..." series. With textured patches, toddlers explore various dinosaurs, aiming to find the perfect match. This interactive book encourages tactile exploration and engages young readers in a fun, repetitive way.
Based on their intended designs and interactive elements, the books mentioned above can generally suit different age groups:
Sensory Books for 1 year old:
- "Pat the Bunny"
- "That's Not My Dinosaur"
- "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"
- "Where Is Baby's Belly Button?"
- "Baby's Very First Noisy Nursery Rhymes"
- "Bright Baby On the Farm: Touch and Feel"
Sensory Books for 2 year olds:
- "Never Touch a Dragon"
- "Never Touch a Monster"
- "Bright Baby Baby Animals: Touch and Feel"
Sensory Books for 3 year olds:
- "See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book"
The suggested age group categorization for the books is based on typical developmental milestones and the interactive elements present in the books. Books designed for 1-year-olds often focus on basic sensory exploration, simple touch elements, and vibrant visuals, suitable for their developing motor skills and curiosity. As children grow, books for 2-year-olds tend to offer slightly more complex interactive elements and engage toddlers with relatable, interactive stories. By age 3, children may engage with books that encourage more detailed exploration and comprehension.
However, the categorization of books for specific age groups is a general guide and may vary based on individual children's development and preferences. It's essential to consider a child's unique capabilities and interests when selecting books for them.
Lastly, Chunky Deli has numerous books that are made for infants. One of Etsy’s Top picks, Chunky Deli books are great as a Newborn sensory learning activity. Happy reading!
