Picture Book Review: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star; I Know Exactly What You Are

We received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review Date: July 23rd, 2019

Written By: Julia Kregenow, PhD
Illustrated By: Carmen Saldaña

Cover Copy

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I know exactly what you are.

Opaque ball of hit dense gas, million times our planet’s mass, looking small because you’re far, I know exactly what you are.

Review

Wow, there are some big words and concepts in this one. While I think it is a very clever book and a great teaching tool, its rhythm is a struggle due to the many times I must stop and explain what things mean! Madeline is only just a month into the age range on this one, so as time passes it will likely become easier and easier for her to understand. In the meantime, there is a handy few pages at the end of the book that describe a good number of the larger/more complicated words/concepts/things we come across in the story. It doesn’t cover it all, however. But that, too, is a learning curve. I may only have to explain what a Rorschach test is about three more times instead of seventeen, once she’s familiar with what that is. And then she will know so much more than you’d expect she would know at age 4. She might even start making her teachers think she’s a genius, who knows!

But in all seriousness, this is a big book for such a small book, if that makes sense. Don’t expect to just quickly read through this one and then the kid will be off to sleep. No, this is one for an alert mind and a bounty of patience. It’s a learning experience for kids and adults, as well!

Kid Ratings

• Font Readability: 10/10
• Kid Engagement: 9/10
• Mommy Engagement: 9/10