Play to Learn: BabyLit Picture Books Review

Not to brag or anything, but… my 19-month-old can name one of the sisters from the novel Pride and Prejudice. … Well, okay, only because it also happens to be the same as one of his cousins… but still, I’ll take it!

Why are we even talking about classic novels at this age? Maybe because I am an English teacher and Just. Can’t. Help. Myself.

But seriously, if not now, when? Why wait to show kids that oldies can be goodies? If they grow up having FUN with the classics, they will not be afraid of the “wherefore art thous” of Shakespeare, or the complicated love triangles of Austen.

It’s all about the playfulness, remember? And what is more playful than a picture book? Why, a Shakespearean BabyLit picture book of course!

BABY LIT ™ – A new series of board books for brilliant babies

Aww, aren’t these books cute? Seriously, these are like my two favorite classic authors!Clever in both the counting book style, and in the choices they picked for each number. I have had SO much fun counting my way through Shakespeare and Austen.

One balcony. Five sisters. If you already know the stories, you will see humor and ingenuity in each choice. See, classic literature does not have to be dusty and stodgey.

And best of all… my son LOVES these books. He tells me all about the sheep in the house at Longbourn, or the tunnels under the bridges in Verona. Each picture has little details that make it fun to linger on each page, naming each object.

One day… I’ll read him the full stories… and he’ll be ready!

“With clever, simple counting text by Jennifer Adams, paired with stylish design and illustrations by Sugar’s Alison Oliver, Little Miss Austen and Little Master Shakespeare are a must for every savvy parent’s nursery library.”

BUY IT: BabyLit titles from Gibbs-Smith are available just about everywhere, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

DISCLOSURE: I was sent a product sample to facilitate this review. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.