Kid Konnection: New Duopress Releases

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to feature three adorable board books from Duopress.

Summary: Making basic numbers fun to learn, this board book has young readers count from 1 to 10 using some of the most famous symbols and attractions in Washington, DC. The U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Museum of Natural History, and the Farmers' Market at Dupont Circle are all depicted here using beautiful illustrations, vivid colors, and detailed design.

123 Washington, DC also includes a location page where parents can find all the symbols and landmarks in the book, as well as a list of conversation starters that will help parents to begin a fun talk with their kids about our nation's capital. -- Duopress
I have been a big fan of Duopress's board books for some time, so I was very excited when they asked me to review some of their new Spring releases. Since my husband and I lived in the Washington D.C. suburbs for about ten years and Booking Daughter was actually born there, I immediately requested 1 2 3 WASHINGTON D.C. by Puck.

I sure wish this book had been around when Booking Daughter was a toddler because it's adorable. Obviously, 1 2 3 WASHINGTON D.C. is a counting book and each page features images from famous attractions in the area. For example, 1 is for the Capitol Building, 7 is for the cherry blossoms, and 5 is for the National Air and Space Museum -- see below.

The illustrations in this book are simple yet effective and perfect for little ones to learn the basics of counting to ten. In addition, there is a section in the back of the book that includes conversation starters based on each page of the book. Here's an example: At the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum you can find amazing airplanes and rockets. Do you know the names of some of these?

Overall, a very cute board book especially for children who live near (or visit) the Washington D.C. area.

Summary: From counting crabs and starfish to beach balls and flip-flops, this board book introduces toddlers to the familiar sights of the seashore while making basic numbers fun to learn. Parents and children can read and count to 10 using iconic beach images depicted with beautiful illustrations, vivid colors, and detailed design. Perfectly sized for small hands, this durable board book also includes a "Let's Talk" section with conversation starters to help parents to begin a fun talk with their kids. -- Duopress

1 2 3 BEACH by Puck is another precious board book that reinforces basic counting concepts. It is very similar in format to the 1 2 3 WASHINGTON D.C. book, but it features beach items -- of course. I also enjoyed this little book and think kids will love figuring out the pictures.

As you can see below, 1 2 3 BEACH also includes a "Let's Talk!" section in the back of the book. Once the kids are done counting the beach items, parents can present these conversation starters for some further discussion. Most of these questions are open-ended and allow children to use their imagination or discuss their own preferences, and I can only imagine how much fun they will have sharing their thoughts with a grown-up.

Another very cute board book that's educational and fun too!

Summary: In this snapshot of the Big Apple, spirited and charming images pair with quirky and fast-paced text to guide young readers though the unique city. Babies act as tour guides, showcasing where they live and play in the city while providing an authentic tour of all things local in this sturdy and appealing board book. From famed attractions to iconic landmarks, this educational and entertaining read captures the essence of what it means to live in and visit New York City. -- Duopress

And when I heard about NEW YORK BABY by Puck and illustrated by Violet Lemay, I knew I couldn't resist. This book is positively adorable and must-have for all New York babies... and their moms.

This board book is so cute and I think parents and toddlers alike will enjoy it. The illustrations are too sweet and the children in the book reflect New York's different cultures. Just check out the page spread below to get an idea of just how cute this book is. Don't you just love that F stands for Fuhgettaboutit?

While the other two books I featured are primarily counting books, NEW YORK BABY has a little bit of everything. The book features some NY landmarks, the diverse languages spoken, the different seasons as well as some letters and shapes. It also ends with the idea that New York never sleeps, but New York babies do which makes this book ideal for bedtime as well.

I especially enjoyed the last page spread of the book which gives some activities for children to do. For example, there are hidden items on each page that kids can find like numbers, letters, and even different foods and toys. For whatever reason, my children have always loved books that includes these fun little "interactive" activities.

Highly recommended for all New York babies!

Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!