ABOUT THE BOOK
Written by Kat Chen
Illustrated by Lorraine Nam
Ages 1-3 | 24 Pages
Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop | ISBN-13: 978-0593659731
Publisher’s Book Summary: This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. In this second book, the outdoor playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.
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MY REVIEW
Kat Chen and Lorraine Nam have created another engaging and interactive board book for very young readers. Play Outside with Me features Sam and Sam’s friend Squirrel. Sam speaks directly to readers and invites them to join in the play. Everyday games such as blowing bubbles, tag, and playing on the swing set are shown in bright colors. Sam likes to draw with sidewalk chalk; Squirrel likes it best when Sam draws ladybugs. Later, Sam sees a real ladybug and Squirrel (who is a stuffie) spots a real squirrel in a tree. Besides the images and text to help promote a conversation with young children, this book also offers a model of how to make a new friend. Sam performs introductions, “Hi, my name is Sam! This is my friend, Squirrel. What’s your name?” Then Sam asks the reader how they like to play each game - popping bubbles, drawing with chalk, etc. Sam always gives compliments - “That’s a great name!” or “Wow! That sounds nice.” when the reader tells what they like to draw. Sam shares the bubbles and takes turns in the tag game. And at the end of the visit, Sam thanks the reader for playing and asks if they can play again soon. For young readers just learning to play with others this book offers great examples of how to play nicely. And for those who enjoy reading books together with an adult or older child, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with the story - answering Sam’s questions, pointing out details that they notice, and laughing at Squirrel as the bubbles pop on his nose. A fun experience for kiddos and caregivers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kat Chen is the author of several bestselling contemporary and historical romance books. She also serves on the advisory board for Books for Newborns.
After becoming a grandmother and spending most of her free time helping with “the fun stuff”—conversations, crayons, and crawling—she was inspired to delve into children’s books and help kids master the art of simple conversation through shared play.
Learn more about Kat and her work at kat-chen.com.
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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Lorraine Nam is an illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. She was born in Philadelphia and spent her childhood drawing pictures and folding origami to pass the time at her parents’ jewelry store. She now spends her days combining those two loves to create her illustrations.
She is the illustrator of the picture book biography on Neil deGrasse Tyson, Look Up With Me, and the upcoming Wei Skates On, by Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen.
Learn more about Lorraine and her work at www.lorrainename.com.
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TOUR SCHEDULE
Kat Chen and Lorraine Pham have created another engaging and interactive board book for very young readers. Play Outside with Me features Sam and Sam’s friend Squirrel. Sam speaks directly to readers and invites them to join in the play. Everyday games such as blowing bubbles, tag, and playing on the swing set are shown in bright colors. Sam likes to draw with sidewalk chalk; Squirrel likes it best when Sam draws ladybugs. Later, Sam sees a real ladybug and Squirrel (who is a stuffie) spots a real squirrel in a tree.
Besides the images and text to help promote a conversation with young children, this book also offers a model of how to make a new friend. Sam performs introductions, “Hi, my name is Sam! This is my friend, Squirrel. What’s your name?” Then Sam asks the reader how they like to play each game - popping bubbles, drawing with chalk, etc. Sam always gives compliments - “That’s a great name!” or “Wow! That sounds nice.” when the reader tells what they like to draw. Sam shares the bubbles and takes turns in the tag game. And at the end of the visit, Sam thanks the reader for playing and asks if they can play again soon.
For young readers just learning to play with others this book offers great examples of how to play nicely. And for those who enjoy reading books together with an adult or older child, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with the story - answering Sam’s questions, pointing out details that they notice, and laughing at Squirrel as the bubbles pop on his nose. A fun experience for kiddos and caregivers.