When I was reading to my daughter today, I started wondering why toddlers love flap books. Many people think that it is because flap books are similar to the peekaboo game. Sure, flap books and peekaboo share an element of surprise. However, the peekaboo game depends on object permanence i.e. the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are no longer visible. So when a child sees your face, and then you cover it, she knows that if you remove those hands, that face will reappear.
On the other hand, when toddlers lift the flaps in books, it seems to be more about discovery. What will they find under that flap? Oh, it’s an elephant! How exciting! What will be under the next flap?
With flap books, children can participate in the reading process. When parents read to their toddlers, it is usually the adults that “run the show”. We read the text, explain what’s happening and set the pace. However, in flap books, the kid gets to time the “great appearance” by lifting the flap and making the discovery. Like, most participatory learning, this helps to hold their attention and increases their interest in the book.
An added bonus is that these books help with their fine motor skills. Kids have to use their fingers to lift the flap in a particular direction.
Here are some flap books I recommend for toddlers.
- Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell (not much text, but kids love the animals)
- Open the Barn Door by Christopher Santoro (animal sounds are included here. Kids love those!)
- All the Karen Katz lift-the-flap books (flimsy flaps, but each books has a different theme)
What does your child love about lift-the-flap books? Which flap books are favorites in your house?