When looking for the best baby books to read aloud for bonding and brain development, consider "I Love You to the Moon and Back" and "I Love You Like No Otter" for heartwarming stories with enchanting illustrations. "Oh, Baby, the Places You'll Go!" and "The Wonderful Things You Will Be" by Dr. Seuss offer charming tales perfect for baby showers. Don't miss the classic "Love You Forever" or the engaging "If Animals Kissed Good Night" for delightful rhymes and illustrations. These books stimulate cognitive growth and create lasting bonds. More factors like interactive elements, educational value, and engaging illustrations enhance the reading experience.
Key Takeaways
- Choose books with interactive elements like touch-and-feel textures and lift-the-flap features for cognitive development.
- Look for books with educational value through basic concepts introduction, rhyming text, and parent-child interaction.
- Opt for books with engaging illustrations to boost cognitive skills, support literacy development, and instill a love for reading.
- Rhyming text benefits language development, memory retention, vocabulary building, and soothing bedtime routines.
- Ensure read-aloud suitability with engaging rhymes, enchanting illustrations, interactive elements, durable materials, and sturdy pages.
I Love You to the Moon and Back
This heartwarming picture book, 'I Love You to the Moon and Back,' is the perfect choice for new parents looking to bond with their little ones through enchanting illustrations and a lovely poem expressing unconditional love.
The book beautifully captures the deep connection between a parent and child, making it a favorite bedtime read for many families. Its positive reviews highlight the beautifully written and illustrated nature of the book, making it a must-have for new parents seeking to create special moments with their babies.
With sturdy pages and vibrant colors, this book isn't only visually appealing but also a great tool for expressing love and fostering early bonds with your child. Whether it's for bedtime routines or cozy moments, 'I Love You to the Moon and Back' is a delightful choice for parents and children alike.
Best For: Parents looking for a heartwarming picture book to bond with their young children through enchanting illustrations and a lovely poem expressing unconditional love.
Pros:
- Beautifully written and illustrated
- Sturdy pages
- Excellent purchase for babies
Cons:
- May not be suitable for children under 3 years old
- Limited content variation for repeated readings
- Some readers may find the storyline too simplistic
I Love You Like No Otter: Funny & Sweet Board Book for Babies and Toddlers
For grandparents seeking a heartwarming and entertaining book to bond with their grandchildren, 'I Love You Like No Otter' is a delightful choice with its charming illustrations and sweet message of love.
This funny and sweet board book for babies and toddlers features colorful illustrations of playful otters and engaging rhyming text that conveys a message of affection between generations. Readers appreciate the cute wordplay and repetitive expressions of love, making it a lovely read for children.
The book is described as a perfect gift with beautiful illustrations that resonate well with young readers. Suitable for toddlers and young children, 'I Love You Like No Otter' is noted for its simple text, cute illustrations, and quick, enjoyable reading experience, making it a great choice for bonding moments with little ones.
Best For: Grandparents looking for a heartwarming and entertaining book to bond with their grandchildren.
Pros:
- Charming illustrations of playful otters
- Engaging rhyming text conveying a message of love and affection
- Perfect gift with beautiful illustrations that resonate well with young readers
Cons:
- May be too simple for older children
- Limited in terms of storyline depth
- Some readers may find the wordplay repetitive
Oh, Baby, the Places Youll Go!
When looking for a charming and heartfelt gift for a baby or child, 'Oh, Baby, the Places You'll Go!' is a wonderful choice that delights both little ones and their parents.
This book, a delightful creation by Dr. Seuss, has received glowing reviews for its ability to captivate children of various ages with its cute characters and sweet rhymes. It serves as a perfect baby shower gift, recommended for fans of Dr. Seuss and those looking to introduce young readers to his iconic characters.
The positive international feedback highlights the book's universal appeal, appreciated across different cultures for its engaging graphics and rhyming stories.
Personal experiences reveal the joy and engagement children and parents find in this book, making it a cherished part of daily reading routines and an introduction to the fantastic world of Dr. Seuss.
Best For: Parents and gift-givers seeking a charming and engaging baby shower gift that introduces young readers to the world of Dr. Seuss.
Pros:
- Captivates children of various ages with cute characters and sweet rhymes.
- Universal appeal appreciated across different cultures for engaging graphics and rhyming stories.
- Loved by both children and parents, becoming a cherished part of daily reading routines.
Cons:
- Desire for more references to the original 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' book.
- Comments on the lack of character protection during shipping.
- Some minor disappointment with the book's content, prompting recommendations to explore other Dr. Seuss books for better character understanding.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Immerse yourself in the heartwarming and enchanting world of 'The Wonderful Things You Will Be', a perfect choice for fostering bonding moments with your little one through its whimsical illustrations and inspiring message.
This book stands out for its unique and charming illustrations that combine artistic beauty with a heartfelt message. The storyline delivers a powerful message from a parent to a child, promoting individuality, creativity, and caring for others.
With its rhyming phrases and vivid language, the book offers a smooth and engaging reading experience. 'The Wonderful Things You Will Be' has a timeless appeal, making it a popular choice for baby shower gifts and cherished by many families.
It resonates with readers of all ages, spreading a message of acceptance, encouragement, and unconditional love. Many praise the book for its lovely message and beautiful pictures, making it a delightful addition to your bedtime routine.
Best For: Families seeking a heartwarming and inspiring book to share bonding moments with their young children.
Pros:
- Whimsical illustrations that are captivating and unique.
- Powerful message promoting individuality, creativity, and caring for others.
- Timeless appeal and emotional impact resonating with both children and adults.
Cons:
- Some readers may find the storyline overly sentimental.
- Limited diversity in character representation.
- May not appeal to those looking for a more fast-paced or action-packed story.
Love You Forever
The emotional depth and generational connection found in 'Love You Forever' make it a poignant choice for sharing with multiple family members. This classic book by Robert Munsch resonates with readers of all ages, evoking heartfelt emotions and memories.
The timeless message of unconditional love between a parent and child is beautifully depicted through touching illustrations and the iconic refrain, 'I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be.'
The book's enduring popularity has led to it being passed down through generations, becoming a cherished gift for new parents and a source of comfort for those looking to express their love in a special way. 'Love You Forever' continues to captivate readers with its simple yet profound message of enduring love.
Best For: Parents looking to share a heartfelt and timeless story of unconditional love with their children.
Pros:
- Evokes deep emotional connections and memories for readers of all ages.
- Beautifully depicts the message of enduring love between a parent and child.
- Has become a cherished gift for new parents and a source of comfort for expressing love in a special way.
Cons:
- May cause emotional reactions, leading to tears in some readers.
- The repetitive refrain may not appeal to those who prefer more varied storytelling.
- Some readers may find the illustrations simplistic compared to other children's books.
If Animals Kissed Good Night
For those looking to foster a special bedtime bonding experience with their little ones, 'If Animals Kissed Good Night' is a heartwarming choice. This book is beloved by many families for its delightful rhymes and endearing illustrations of animals sharing goodnight kisses.
Parents find joy in reading it to their children, creating a soothing routine that promotes closeness and comfort before bedtime. The engaging storyline imagines how different animals would bid good night to their young, enchanting young readers with its sweet narrative.
The sturdy construction of the book makes it durable for little hands and easy to clean, ensuring it can withstand the wear and tear of nightly readings. 'If Animals Kissed Good Night' isn't only a charming bedtime story but also an opportunity for parents and children to connect through the magic of storytelling.
Best For: Families looking to create a special bedtime routine and bond with their little ones through a heartwarming and engaging story.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline that captivates young readers and parents alike.
- Delightful rhymes and endearing illustrations of animals.
- Sturdy construction makes it durable for little hands.
Cons:
- Limited in terms of expanding vocabulary compared to more complex books.
- May not appeal to children who prefer more action-packed stories.
- Some parents may find the storyline too simplistic for older children.
Guess How Much I Love You
Ideal for those looking to foster a heartwarming connection with their little one, 'Guess How Much I Love You' is a charming choice for bonding through storytelling. This book is highly praised for its sweetness and calming nature, making it a favorite among readers.
The story itself is described as cute, lovely, and heartwarming, touching the hearts of both children and adults alike. Many parents have shared positive feedback about the book, mentioning how their little ones react positively to it and how it has become a cherished part of their family routine.
Additionally, the versatility of the illustrations allows for storytelling in multiple languages, adding an extra layer of engagement for bilingual families.
Overall, 'Guess How Much I Love You' isn't just a children's classic but also a wonderful tool for creating special moments with your little one.
Best For: Parents looking to create heartwarming bonding moments through storytelling with their little ones.
Pros:
- Sweet and calming nature
- Lovely and heartwarming story
- Versatile illustrations for storytelling in multiple languages
Cons:
- May be too simplistic for older children
- Limited in terms of educational content
- Some may find the story overly sentimental
Read to Your Baby Every Day: 30 Classic Nursery Rhymes to Read Aloud
Best choice for fostering early literacy skills in infants through engaging nursery rhymes and illustrations. 'Read to Your Baby Every Day' offers a curated collection of 30 classic nursery rhymes designed for reading aloud to babies.
The book combines traditional and contemporary rhymes, complemented by charming illustrations that captivate both young listeners and parents. Despite minor typos noted by some readers, the book's aesthetic appeal and well-crafted pages make it a delightful addition to any nursery.
Parents find joy in sharing these timeless rhymes with their little ones, fostering a special bond through daily reading sessions. With its educational value in promoting rhyming and phonemic awareness, this book serves as a valuable tool for early language development.
Perfect for bedtime routines, 'Read to Your Baby Every Day' is a recommended choice for engaging infants and kickstarting a love for reading together.
Best For: Parents looking to engage their babies in early literacy skills development through classic nursery rhymes and illustrations.
Pros:
- Curated collection of 30 classic nursery rhymes perfect for reading aloud to babies.
- Charming illustrations that captivate young listeners and parents.
- Fosters a special bond between parents and babies through daily reading sessions.
Cons:
- Some readers noted minor typos in the book.
- Slightly old-fashioned feel in some of the old rhymes.
- Short length of the book may leave some readers wanting more content.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
When delving into baby books for bonding, one can't overlook the timeless charm and educational allure of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle. This beloved childhood classic seamlessly weaves stunning visuals with a simple yet profound tale of a caterpillar's metamorphosis into a butterfly.
What sets this book apart is its incorporation of tactile elements like holes in the pages, creating a sensory delight for young readers. The story's brevity makes it perfect for bedtime or short attention spans, all while offering educational opportunities on biology, metamorphosis, and nutrition.
Customers rave about the book's educational value, engaging illustrations, and interactive nature that captivate both children and adults. It's no wonder that 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' continues to be a favorite for fostering a love of reading in young minds.
Best For: Parents looking to engage their young children in a sensory and educational reading experience.
Pros:
- Engaging illustrations that captivate both children and adults.
- Interactive tactile elements like holes in the pages for a sensory experience.
- Short and educational content suitable for bedtime or short attention spans.
Cons:
- Initial connectivity issues reported by some users.
- Limited language variety in some editions.
- May not appeal to older children or teenagers.
Welcome Little One Baby Gift Collection
With its beautiful graphics and space to personalize details like birth weight, the 'Welcome Little One Baby Gift Collection' is a perfect choice for new parents looking to create lasting memories for their little one.
This book isn't only visually appealing but also serves as a wonderful keepsake for parents to cherish special moments with their newborn.
The quality of the book is commendable, featuring informative content presented in a gentle manner. It's a great gift option for baby showers, appreciated by new mothers for its thoughtful design.
The option to write the baby's name and details in the book adds a personal touch, making it a meaningful gift for both parents and their little one.
Best For: Parents looking for a thoughtful and visually appealing gift to celebrate the arrival of their new little one.
Pros:
- Personalization options for baby's details.
- Quality graphics and gentle informative content.
- Ideal for creating lasting memories and as a baby shower gift.
Cons:
- Might be too small for detailed writing.
- Limited space for additional customization.
- Not suitable for those looking for extensive content.
I Love You More – Childrens Padded Board Book
Highlighted for its emotional connection and enthusiastic reading appeal, 'I Love You More – Childrens Padded Board Book' is a favorite choice for creating lasting bonding moments with young children.
This book, adorned with vibrant colors and a heartwarming story, has received glowing reviews from parents and gift-givers alike. Many readers express how the book has become a cherished part of their bedtime routine, with children eagerly anticipating the familiar words and images night after night.
The sentimental value attached to this book is evident in stories of grandparents reading it to their grandchildren from birth, creating a generational connection that enhances its significance.
With its engaging narrative and enchanting illustrations, 'I Love You More' continues to delight both children and adults, making it a beloved addition to any family's library.
Best For: Parents and grandparents looking to create special bedtime bonding moments with young children through a heartwarming storybook.
Pros:
- Vibrant colors and cute story that engage young readers.
- Emotional connection and sentimental value for both children and adults.
- Generational connection is fostered through sharing the book with grandchildren from birth.
Cons:
- May become a bedtime necessity, making it challenging if the book is misplaced.
- Limited variety in nighttime reading choices if the child strongly prefers this book.
- Potential for wear and tear due to repeated readings.
Indestructibles: Hello, Farm! Chew Proof, Rip Proof, Nontoxic, 100% Washable
For parents seeking durable and safe bonding experiences through reading, 'Indestructibles: Hello, Farm!' is the ideal choice for their little ones. These books are designed to withstand the wear and tear of curious little hands and mouths, being chew-proof, rip-proof, nontoxic, and 100% washable. Customers rave about the vibrant colors and engaging pictures that capture their baby's attention, while also appreciating the easy cleaning process.
The versatility of 'Hello, Farm!' extends beyond just reading, as it serves as a tool for teaching children about different animals and their sounds. Despite some mixed reviews regarding price and thickness, the overall consensus highlights the durability, quality, and educational value of this indestructible book.
Parents looking for a long-lasting and interactive reading experience will find 'Indestructibles: Hello, Farm!' to be a valuable addition to their baby's library.
Best For: Parents looking for a durable and interactive reading experience for their babies.
Pros:
- Chew-proof, rip-proof, nontoxic, and 100% washable.
- Vibrant colors and engaging pictures for baby's attention.
- Educational tool for teaching children about animals and their sounds.
Cons:
- Some customers find the price to be too high.
- A few reviewers mentioned the book being thinner than expected.
- Mixed language reviews may make it difficult for some customers to understand.
Welcome To The World: Keepsake Gift Book for the Arrival Of a New Baby
The 'Welcome To The World: Keepsake Gift Book for the Arrival Of a New Baby' is the ideal choice for new parents seeking a heartfelt and lasting way to commemorate the arrival of their little one. This book has received numerous positive reviews, with users praising it as a great gift for a new baby, featuring adorable illustrations, quality printing, and a loving and touching theme.
Its functionality goes beyond a typical baby book, as it can be used as a baby shower card with personalized messages, offers space for guests to sign, and includes pages for leaving messages for the newborn. The book's versatility makes it suitable for any nursery, and its hardback cover guarantees longevity, making it a cherished keepsake that can be passed down through generations.
Best For: New parents looking for a heartfelt and lasting way to commemorate the arrival of their newborn.
Pros:
- Can be used as a baby shower card with personalized messages.
- Includes space for guests to sign and leave messages for the newborn.
- Versatile and suitable for any nursery, with a hardback cover for longevity.
Cons:
- Limited international appeal, possibly due to language restrictions.
- May not cater to parents looking for a more modern or minimalist design.
- Some users may find it slightly more expensive compared to other baby books.
God Gave Us You
In 'God Gave Us You', families seeking to introduce their child to the importance of God and spirituality can find a touching and engaging storybook. This book has received positive reviews for its emphasis on God's role in family life, with lovely illustrations that help convey the message.
Many readers have found it to be a great tool for teaching children about God in a gentle and loving way. Additionally, 'God Gave Us You' has been recommended as a thoughtful gift for baby showers or as a keepsake for parents looking to capture precious memories.
Some readers have also shared personal connections to the book, like reading it during pregnancy or feeling a deep emotional bond while sharing it with their children.
Best For: Parents looking to introduce their child to the importance of God and spirituality in a gentle and loving way.
Pros:
- Engaging storybook emphasizing God's role in family life.
- Lovely illustrations that help convey the message effectively.
- Recommended as a thoughtful gift for baby showers or as a keepsake for capturing precious memories.
Cons:
- Some concerns about the condition of the book received and the need for replacements.
- Comments in different languages may not cater to all readers.
- Limited availability of translations might hinder accessibility for non-English speakers.
Read to Your Baby Every Night: 30 classic lullabies and rhymes to read aloud
Bond with your baby through the timeless tradition of reading aloud classic lullabies and rhymes every night. This book features 30 charming lullabies and rhymes, perfect for creating a soothing bedtime routine.
The beautiful illustrations and bright colors can captivate your baby's attention while providing a sense of comfort and security. Not only does reading to your baby every night promote bonding, but it also aids in their brain development and language skills.
You can make this book a cherished keepsake in your nursery, creating lasting memories with your little one. While some may prefer more familiar poems, many find this book to be a lovely addition to their nightly routine.
Consider adding this book to your collection for a calming and enjoyable reading experience with your baby.
Best For: Parents looking to establish a soothing bedtime routine with their baby through classic lullabies and rhymes.
Pros:
- Visually appealing with beautiful illustrations and bright colors.
- Ideal for creating a calming atmosphere for babies before bedtime.
- Can be a great gift for baby showers or new babies.
Cons:
- Not all rhymes are recognized as classics, may not be familiar to everyone.
- Some may prefer more well-known poems.
- Limited to 30 lullabies and rhymes, may not cater to all preferences.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Book to Read
When choosing a baby book to read, it's important to factor in key selection aspects like:
- age-appropriate content
- interactive elements
- educational value
- engaging illustrations
These elements play an essential role in capturing a child's interest and fostering a love for reading from an early age. By selecting books that align with these aspects, parents can create meaningful bonding experiences through storytelling.
Key Selection Factors
Considering the age appropriateness of a baby book is essential when choosing a book to read with your child. Ensuring that the content aligns with your child's developmental stage is vital for engagement and comprehension.
Look for books with captivating illustrations and lively colors that can hold your baby's attention. Opt for sturdy pages that can withstand handling and potential chewing, as babies tend to explore books with all their senses. Simple and repetitive text is beneficial for language development and maintaining your little one's interest.
Additionally, choosing books with positive and heartening messages can create a warm and nurturing bonding experience during reading time. By keeping these key factors in mind when selecting baby books, you can enhance the quality of your reading sessions, promote brain development, and strengthen the bond between you and your child.
Age-Appropriate Content
To make informed choices when selecting a baby book, focus on securing that the content aligns with your child's developmental stage. It's vital to look for books with simple language, engaging illustrations, and interactive features that match your baby's age.
For infants and toddlers, consider board books with sturdy pages that can withstand exploration without getting easily damaged. Opt for books that introduce basic concepts like colors, shapes, animals, and everyday experiences to captivate young minds.
Additionally, selecting books with repetitive patterns, rhymes, and interactive elements can help capture your baby's attention and support early language development. By choosing age-appropriate content, you provide your child with the best opportunity to engage with the material and benefit from the bonding and brain development that reading aloud can offer.
Interactive Elements
One key aspect to keep in mind when selecting a baby book to read is the presence of interactive elements that engage a child's senses and promote learning. These elements can include touch-and-feel textures, lift-the-flap features, sound buttons, and pop-up surprises.
By incorporating such interactive components, baby books stimulate a baby's senses, aiding in cognitive development, sensory exploration, and fine motor skills. Additionally, interactive books enhance a child's learning experience by encouraging participation and creating an enjoyable reading environment. They offer a hands-on approach to storytelling, making the reading experience dynamic and engaging for young readers.
The interaction between the child and the story promoted by these elements also helps foster a love for books and reading from an early age. Thus, when choosing a baby book, opting for one with engaging interactive features can greatly enrich the reading experience and contribute to a child's overall development.
Educational Value
When selecting a baby book to read, keep in mind that considering the educational value is key. Opt for books that offer interactive elements like textures, flaps, or sounds, as these can engage young minds and promote sensory development.
Look for titles that introduce basic concepts such as colors, shapes, numbers, and animals to help build foundational knowledge in a fun and engaging manner. Choosing books with rhyming text or simple stories can aid in developing language skills and promoting early literacy in babies.
Additionally, books featuring repetition or predictable patterns can enhance memory and cognitive development in infants and toddlers. It's also beneficial to select books that encourage parent-child interaction, such as asking questions, pointing out details, or connecting the story to real-life experiences.
These activities foster bonding and communication skills between the caregiver and the child, making the reading experience more enriching and educational.
Engaging Illustrations
Engaging illustrations play a crucial role in capturing a child's attention and enhancing their visual learning experience when selecting a baby book to read.
Colorful and detailed illustrations not only stimulate a baby's developing senses but also boost their cognitive skills. By depicting familiar objects or animals, illustrations in baby books help babies connect words with images, aiding in early language development.
Interactive elements like lift-the-flap or touch-and-feel features provide tactile stimulation, encouraging sensory exploration and engagement.
High-quality illustrations in baby books can instill a love for reading from an early age and support the development of essential literacy skills in children.
When choosing a baby book, consider the visual appeal of the illustrations, their ability to engage and educate, and how they complement the story being told. Remember, captivating illustrations can make reading a fun and interactive experience for both you and your little one.
Rhyming Text Benefits
Considering the benefits of rhyming text is vital when selecting a baby book to read, as it greatly impacts language development and engagement for young children.
Rhyming text in baby books introduces rhythmic patterns and sounds, aiding in language development. Children are more likely to remember rhyming phrases and words, enhancing memory retention.
The enjoyment and engagement that rhymes bring to reading can foster a love for books in babies and toddlers. The repetitive nature of rhyming text also plays an important role in building vocabulary and early literacy skills.
Additionally, rhymes can create a soothing and calming effect, making bedtime reading a comforting routine for babies. When choosing a baby book, opting for rhyming text can't only make the reading experience more enjoyable but also contribute significantly to a child's language development and cognitive growth.
Read-Aloud Suitability
Choosing a baby book for read-aloud sessions involves evaluating its appropriateness based on engaging rhymes, enchanting illustrations, and interactive features. When selecting a book, look for those with repetitive or rhythmic text that can captivate a baby's attention throughout the reading.
Opt for books that offer interactive elements like touch-and-feel textures or lift-the-flap features, as these can enhance the overall reading experience for both you and your little one. Additionally, consider the book's construction, opting for ones with durable materials and sturdy pages that can withstand the handling of young children.
Emotional Connection
When choosing a baby book for read-aloud sessions, it's important to prioritize emotional connection by selecting titles that resonate with themes of love, family, and relationships.
Building a strong emotional bond with your child through reading not only creates a sense of security but also helps them understand and express their own emotions.
Stories that evoke feelings of love and depict familial relationships can have a lasting impact on a child's emotional development and memory.
By engaging in emotionally resonant storytelling, parents can enhance communication and empathy with their children, nurturing emotional intelligence from a young age.
Thus, when considering which books to read aloud, opting for those that touch on these emotional themes can greatly contribute to the overall bonding experience and promote a deeper connection between parent and child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Reading Aloud to My Baby Help With Language Development?
Reading aloud to my baby is a great way to help with language development. It fosters bonding, stimulates brain growth, and enhances communication skills. I've noticed a positive impact on my child's language abilities since starting this practice.
How Can I Make Reading Aloud a Fun Bonding Experience?
I make reading aloud a fun bonding experience by using silly voices, engaging with the story, and cuddling close. I cherish these moments, connecting with my baby through the magic of storytelling.
Are There Specific Benefits to Reading Books About Animals to Babies?
Reading books about animals to babies can be surprisingly beneficial! They learn about different species, sounds, and behaviors. It's not just about cute pictures; it's an educational journey that sparks curiosity and imagination.
What Makes a Baby Book Suitable for Newborns Versus Older Infants?
When choosing baby books for newborns versus older infants, consider factors like simplicity, high contrast colors, and durable materials for newborns. For older infants, look for interactive elements, more detailed illustrations, and engaging storylines.
How Can I Incorporate Reading Aloud Into My Baby's Bedtime Routine?
Surprisingly, bedtime reading became my favorite part of the day. I cuddle my baby close, pick a cozy book, and let the soothing words create a peaceful routine. It's our special time together.
Conclusion
To wrap up, selecting the optimal baby book to read aloud can be a delightful way to bond with your little one and enhance their brain development. Keep in mind factors such as age suitability, captivating illustrations, and interactive features when choosing a book.
Reading aloud to your baby not only fosters precious moments together but also establishes the groundwork for a lifelong passion for reading. So grab a book, cuddle up, and embark on storytime adventures!