Book Review: See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book
See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book by Roger Priddy – A Comprehensive Review
Introduction: A Delightful Gateway to Early Learning
Imagine a book that isn’t just read but experienced—where tiny fingers trace textures, eyes light up at bright colors, and little minds make their first connections between words and sensations. That’s exactly what Roger Priddy’s See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book offers. Designed for babies and toddlers, this interactive board book is a feast for the senses, blending visual stimulation with tactile exploration.
As a parent, educator, or caregiver, you’re always on the lookout for books that engage young children beyond passive listening. Priddy, a master of early childhood publishing, delivers yet another gem that stands out in the crowded world of baby books. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into what makes this book special—and whether it deserves a spot on your little one’s shelf.
Plot Summary: A Sensory Journey for Tiny Hands
Unlike traditional storybooks, See, Touch, Feel doesn’t follow a linear narrative. Instead, it’s a collection of sensory-rich pages, each designed to captivate a baby’s curiosity. The book features:
- High-contrast visuals (bold colors, simple shapes)
- Various textures (soft, bumpy, crinkly, smooth)
- Interactive elements (mirrors, finger trails, lift-the-flap surprises)
Each page introduces a new sensory experience—like a fluffy cloud, a rough tree bark texture, or a shiny reflective surface—encouraging babies to explore with their hands and eyes. The lack of a traditional plot is intentional; the “story” here is the child’s own discovery.
Character Analysis & Development: The “Characters” Are the Readers Themselves
Since this is a sensory book, there are no characters in the traditional sense. Instead, the real “protagonists” are the babies and toddlers interacting with it. The book’s brilliance lies in how it adapts to the child’s developmental stage:
- For newborns (0-6 months): The high-contrast images stimulate developing vision.
- For older babies (6-12 months): The textures and interactive elements encourage fine motor skills.
- For toddlers (1-3 years): Simple labels (“soft,” “scratchy”) help build early vocabulary.
The “development” here is the child’s growing engagement—from passive observer to active participant, touching, pointing, and eventually verbalizing what they feel.
Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Minimalist Yet Effective
Priddy’s approach is deliberately simple, with:
- Single-word labels (“Fluffy,” “Bumpy”)
- Short phrases (“Can you touch the star?”)
- Repetitive, rhythmic structure (ideal for memory and recognition)
The writing serves as a gentle guide, letting the sensory elements take center stage. There’s no overwhelming text—just enough to prompt interaction without distraction.
Thematic Exploration: More Than Just a Touch-and-Feel Book
While See, Touch, Feel seems straightforward, it subtly introduces foundational concepts:
- Cause & Effect – “If I touch this, it feels rough!”
- Language Development – Associating words with sensations.
- Cognitive Skills – Matching textures to real-world objects (e.g., “This furry patch is like the cat!”).
- Emotional Comfort – Soft textures can be soothing for fussy babies.
It’s not just about touching; it’s about building neural pathways through multi-sensory input.
Personal Reading Experience: Why My Baby Keeps Going Back to It
As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how this book holds my child’s attention longer than most others. The crinkly star page? A huge hit. The mirror? Endless giggles. Unlike some sensory books with flimsy textures, Priddy’s are durable and well-integrated, surviving months of enthusiastic grabs.
The only minor drawback? A few textures could be more distinct—some feel similar, which might confuse very young babies. But this is a small critique in an otherwise stellar book.
Comparison to Other Sensory Books
How does See, Touch, Feel stack up against classics like Pat the Bunny or That’s Not My Puppy?
| Feature | See, Touch, Feel | Pat the Bunny | That’s Not My Puppy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textures | Varied & durable | Fewer textures | Repetitive (“fuzzy”) |
| Visuals | Bold, high-contrast | Gentle pastels | Simple illustrations |
| Interactivity | Mirror, flaps | Limited | Touch-focused only |
Verdict: See, Touch, Feel offers more variety and longevity, making it a better long-term investment.
Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
✅ Pros:
- Durable construction (thick board pages, securely attached textures)
- Engages multiple senses (touch, sight, even sound with crinkly pages)
- Grows with the child (from sensory exploration to early word recognition)
❌ Cons:
- Some textures could be more distinct.
- No storyline (though this isn’t the book’s purpose).
Target Audience: Who Is This Book For?
- Ages 0-3 (best for 6 months+)
- Parents seeking interactive, educational books
- Educators looking for sensory play tools
- Gift-givers (ideal for baby showers!)
Not ideal for: Older toddlers who prefer narrative-driven books.
Memorable Quotes & Passages
While there’s no traditional prose, some standout interactive prompts include:
- “Can you feel the bumpy dots?”
- “Look in the mirror—who’s that?”
These simple cues encourage dialogue between caregiver and child, making reading a shared activity.
Cultural & Historical Context
Sensory books have been a staple of early childhood education since the mid-20th century, with Pat the Bunny (1940) pioneering the genre. Priddy’s See, Touch, Feel modernizes the concept with:
- More diverse textures (reflective, crinkly, etc.)
- Inclusive design (high-contrast visuals aid visually impaired babies)
- Sturdier materials (today’s parents demand durability!)
It’s a 21st-century upgrade to a classic idea.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Early Learning
See, Touch, Feel isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or teacher, this is a fantastic tool for nurturing curiosity, motor skills, and early language development. While it’s not a bedtime story, it’s a perfect daytime activity book that babies will return to again and again.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Loses half a star only because a few textures could be more varied.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions for Readers:
- What’s your child’s favorite texture in sensory books?
- Do you prefer narrative-driven baby books or interactive ones like this?
- Have you tried other Priddy books? How do they compare?
Let’s chat in the comments! 📚✨
For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.
For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.