This is a review for the children’s book Be My Neighbor? Published by Suzy Ultman which I received in exchange for a spot in our Christmas Gift Guide 2021: Books for Infants &Toddlers: Be My Neighbor?
While I was working this morning I kept finding myself glancing at the cover of the book and the cute colorful roof with the animal peeking out of the window. Then my eye would be drawn to the information that says life the flap. Before I knew it my hand was opening the book.
As I did I found myself drawn into the story. I kept opening flap after flap. By the time I got through the book I couldn’t wait to make cookies with Charlie while sharing this story with Charlie. I am so glad I didn’t wrap the book because Charlie has had so much fun lifting the flaps and sharing this book with his cousins.
I can see us using this book inside our Art Class, Reading Class and even in Charlie’s Homeschool Cooking Class. I like how the book is perfect for children of all ages but that adults will enjoy the text and illustrations as well. The colors pop and seeing all the easy-to-read words makes this the perfect Gift for my niece Lily.
Welcome to the neighborhood! The new cats on the block are ready to bake cookies, but they’re a few items short! Help them gather ingredients by going house to house and meet a medley of critter families. Explore each neighbor’s unique home while searching inside lift-the-flap cupboards, drawers, and more to find the needed ingredients. The best housewarming treats of all. A neighborhood full of new friends!
Lift the flaps and search the scene! This immersive dollhouse-shaped book is filled with detailed seek-and-find scenes, an abundance of lift-the-flaps, and educational first words to engage and delight young readers.
WELCOMING MESSAGE ABOUT COMMUNITY: The new family on the block goes door-to-door getting to know their neighbors, borrowing cookie ingredients, and eventually delivering cookies. At a time when neighborhood communities are more essential than ever, this is a much-needed story about community, generosity, how to give and how to receive, how to come together, and how to welcome someone new.
SEEK-AND-FIND meets LIFT-THE-FLAP: More than 60 flaps to lift and explore! Each spread features a new neighbor’s home—get to know each family’s interests, hobbies, collections, and favorite colors in these immersive and detailed scenes. Then, lift the flaps on each spread to find the next ingredient needed to bake cookies!
FIRST WORDS: With labels scattered throughout each home, this book has a special take on first words, emphasizing exploration, discovery, and play, and making learning a breeze!
SHAPED LIKE A DOLLHOUSE: With a dollhouse shape, this toy-like book is heightened by the flaps that allow for exploration and imaginative play on each page. The larger trim encourages readers to pore over the detail-rich illustrations.
STAR DESIGN TALENT: Instantly recognizable for her cute critters and Technicolor palette, in this latest offering Suzy Ultman’s aesthetic has the flavor of Wes Anderson with a dash of kawaii cuteness. Sure to appeal to the design-minded buyer!
Perfect for:
Parents
Gift-givers
Fans of Suzy Ultman
Anyone who loves dollhouses, décor, and detail!
About Suzy Ultman
Suzy Ultman, born in Pennsylvania, has lived across America, and in the Netherlands, always embracing the Cultures and communities. These adventures have influenced her creative passion to explore the idea of home, the moments we share in life, the little details that make us smile, and the connections that make us part of the global community.
She finds inspiration in scouting antique shops and flea markets, watching backyard birds & critters, walking down quirky city streets and doodling on sticky notes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
