Mix It Up!: Board Book Edition (Herve Tullet)

Mix It Up!: Board Book Edition (Herve Tullet)

book

2021, Children's Books, Activities, Crafts & Games

WISE
96%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A mess-free 'chemistry lab' for toddlers that proves you don't need a tablet to have a truly interactive experience.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

Hervé Tullet is a genius who understands that a child’s imagination is more powerful than any processor. This book is a must-have for the toddler years.

It’s essentially a magic trick in book form. It keeps them engaged without overstimulating them, and it actually leaves them smarter about how colors work. If you're looking for a gift that won't end up at the bottom of the toy bin in a week, this is it.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 1 to 4 crowd. It's designed for little hands that are just learning how to manipulate objects and follow simple directions.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
95

It is pure, playful, and focuses entirely on the joy of discovery. There is no conflict, just a gentle, encouraging tone that treats the child as a creative partner.

Imaginative
98

Hervé Tullet is the king of the 'analog app.' He manages to make a static piece of cardboard feel interactive and magical through clever prompts that spark a child's internal world.

Safe
100

It's a board book. No ads, no tracking, no batteries, and zero chance of stumbling onto something inappropriate. The only 'danger' is a paper cut or a toddler trying to eat the corner.

Enriching
92

It’s a stealthy art lesson. It teaches primary and secondary color mixing and cause-and-effect better than most expensive educational apps.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • It’s a 'touchscreen' made of cardboard—perfect for kids who want to poke and swipe everything.
  • Teaches primary and secondary colors through active play rather than boring rote memorization.
  • The board book format is built like a tank to survive the 'enthusiastic' handling of a two-year-old.
  • Encourages fine motor skills and the ability to follow multi-step instructions.
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What to Watch For

  • It may inspire a very real, very messy desire to try these 'experiments' with actual paint on your furniture.
  • The 'magic' has an expiration date; once kids hit 6 or 7, they usually figure out the trick and move on.

Conversation Starters

  • "If we rub these two colors together, what do you think will happen on the next page?"
  • "Can you find something in this room that is the same color as the one we just 'made'?"
  • "Why do you think the colors moved when we tilted the book?"

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