Peekaboo!

Adele Ashby was the former editor of Canadian Materials for Schools and Libraries.

One of the most satisfying experiences any devoted baby lover can have is the creation of the kind of interaction with an infant that elicits squeals of responsiveness. Traditionally, the game of peekaboo has been one of those interactions that delight both baby and care giver. In turning the game into a book, even a pop-up, the creators of this title have missed the point.

The blurb on the back of Peekaboo! tells us that it “is designed for parents and children to enjoy together — there is nothing to push, pull, or lift.” Even though these hazards have been avoided, the pictures have been printed on cardboard no heavier than that used in most pop-ups, with the result that care givers are going to have to wrestle with the dilemma of protecting the book or satisfying the curiosity. The pictures, in predominating oranges and browns, depict a mummy with a cat companion in her bed, a daddy in an armchair reading a paper, a jack-in-the-box, a dog in a laundry basket, and a baby with a book. There are some clever touches for adults: Dad’s paper has headlines such as, “Drought: Water Pistols Banned,” and the baby’s book is a copy of Peekaboo!

A more serious fault in my view is the whole idea of turning the game into a book. It is physically impossible to share it with a baby on one’s lap and still be able to see the baby’s face. Who would want to miss all that joy? Play the game; don’t buy the book.