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Review: Pat-a-Cat First Nursery Rhymes

In our household, the auditory environment is almost always saturated with the sound of literature. I am a firm believer in the power of the read-aloud; whether the girls are sitting attentively or bustling about in mid-play, the exposure to diverse narratives and the rhythmic cadence of storytelling is essential for both cognitive development and maternal bonding. When my oldest was an infant, I would even read my own novels aloud—she didn't grasp the plot, of course, but she thrived on the connection. Our latest addition to the nursery library is Pat-a-Cat: First Nursery Rhymes, a collection of twenty-four classic and contemporary verses that has quickly become a staple of our morning routine.





What elevates this volume above the standard nursery collection is its interactive architecture. Each of the twenty-four rhymes is accompanied by specific physical prompts, transforming a passive reading session into a lively performance. For a child like my daughter, who is currently obsessed with music (her current "solo" hit is Row, Row, Row Your Boat), this is absolute perfection. The instructions range from "lap-bouncing" and "wobbling" to delicate movements like finger-wiggling and clapping. I’ve even started utilizing these rhymes as a sophisticated "distraction technique" to keep her entertained during her sister's gymnastics classes.


From a durability standpoint, this book meets my "toddler-proof" criteria: it is a robust board book. As I have mentioned in previous reviews, my youngest is a prolific "book tearer," so the sturdy construction is a vital protective measure for our library. Furthermore, both my husband and I were delighted to find several rhymes within these pages that were entirely new to us. In a world where baby books can often feel repetitive, discovering fresh content is a rare and welcome treat. The illustrations are equally charming, featuring a diverse cast of "babies" that my daughter loves to identify as we read.



We sourced this gem from Timberdoodle, where it is featured in their Tiny Tots curriculum kit. Even if you aren't a dedicated homeschooler, I would suggest looking into their kits—they are curated with such intentionality that they would be an asset to any daycare or high-quality playroom. At twenty-one months old, our daughter is at the ideal age to begin mimicking these movements and finding her own voice through song. It is a joyful, interactive resource that proves you are never too young for a little poetic performance. I’m curious—what interactive titles are currently topping the charts in your nursery? And have you encountered any "obscure" nursery rhymes lately that took you by surprise? Let us know in the comments!

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  1. Jennifer FlandersJuly 8, 2022 at 10:55 AM

    I've always loved reading nursery rhymes to my little ones, and those cute illustrations look adorable.

    ReplyDelete

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