Press Here Books

The five books are shown in publication order, but they do not tell a continuing story. Press Here is the best introduction to the call-and-response idea; after that, choose Mix It Up! for color, Say Zoop! for sound, or Draw Here for hands-on art activities.

Draw Here is a 140-page activity book children write and draw in, so families may prefer a personal copy rather than a library copy. I Have an Idea! is another Tullet book, but Chronicle does not label it as part of the Press Here series.

Sources: Chronicle Books' Press Here page, Chronicle Books' Draw Here series page.

These books work best when an adult or group follows each direction aloud—pressing dots, tilting pages, clapping, speaking, or predicting what will happen next. They encourage attention, turn-taking, color recognition, and imaginative cause and effect.

There is no frightening content or conflict. The main practical consideration is energy level: children may shout, move, and insist on repeating favorite instructions, while Draw Here also requires crayons or pencils.