[Reviewed from Copy Courtesy of Phaidon]

My First Book of Patterns is a beautifully designed and elegant board book that introduces young ones to different lines, shapes, and the patterns that they create. Done in bold, vibrant colors with scenes that are eye-catching and immersive, My First Book of Patterns is a wonderful book to read with young ones.

Created by Montessori educators, designers, and artists, this 66-page board book takes patterns-and-shapes format to a whole new level. Its layout and use of colors is sleek and modern while still being wholly oriented to the child’s experience.

The words are economical and straightforward with clear structure and repetition making it accessible and instantly engaging to the very young.

From My First Book of Patterns by Bobby & June George. Art by Boyoun Kim. Image Courtesy of Phaidon Press.

First a line or shape is introduced, then what they make together, and then a scene incorporating the pattern. It starts simply: a line, a thick line and thin line, a zigzag, a square, a circle, and a diamond. Then gets progressively more complex: a diamond and a line, a hexagon, a teardrop, and a flower. The patterns are stripes, plaid, chevron, checks, polka dots, harlequin, argyle, honeycomb, paisley, and floral. At the very end is a recap of all of the shapes and patterns in a double fold out.

From My First Book of Patterns by Bobby & June George. Art by Boyoun Kim. Image Courtesy of Phaidon Press.

Concepts of order, repetition, part and whole, colors, and shapes are all effortlessly introduced and applied. The page turns are perfect and will have little ones excitedly yelling out what patterns the shapes make. Hearing a little one yell out Argyle! Paisley! and Floral! is a lot of fun. The scenes with the patterns incorporated into them are complex and dazzling. My youngest son each time reading through this will stop and ask question after question. Conversations range in topic from, “Why do jellyfish sting?” to “Can monkeys really ride horses?” to “Why doesn’t that person have a bellybutton?”

The simple, clean presentation clearly shows all of its readers that creating art can begin with drawing a single line. It is an inspired book that treats young children’s intellect and curiosity with respect.

My First Book of Patterns is excellent in every way. It is exciting to see what this trio of creatives will think up next.

Recommended Ages 2 to 4. Phaidon. May 2017. 66 pages. ISBN: 978-0714872490 Board Book.

Author and Artist Websites:

• Authors: Bobby George & June George
• Artist: Boyoun Kim

Where to Get it:

• [Affiliate Link]: Amazon.com
• [Publisher]: Phaidon
• [My Favorite Bookstore]: Addendum Books
• [Library]: Worldcat.org

More Reviews:

• Publishers Weekly
• Kirkus Reviews
• Wigan Mum

Where Obtained:  I received a review copy from the publisher. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

FTC Disclosures:  Some of the links in the post above are Amazon affiliate links and others are IndieBound affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase something, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Which goes to fund my family’s picture book habit.  It’s a vicious cycle, but we manage.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”