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Screenwise Verdict
Look, babies haven't changed much since 2000. They still love hiding, they still love mirrors, and they still love making loud noises. Nina Laden nailed the formula here.
It’s not 'outdated' just because it’s 26 years old; it’s a tool for early literacy that actually works. If you need a baby shower gift or something to survive a long car ride with a cranky one-year-old, this is a top-tier pick. It’s simple, effective, and won’t make you want to throw the book across the room after the third read-through.
Age Fit
This is the sweet spot for the 6-month to 2-year-old crowd. By age 3, they might still enjoy the 'BOO!' but they'll likely be ready for something with more of a plot.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
98
It’s a pure, rhythmic interaction between parent and child. No flashing lights or 'brain rot'—just simple rhymes and the classic game of peek-a-boo turned into a physical object.
Imaginative
82
The die-cut windows give kids a hint of what’s coming, turning a book into a guessing game that builds curiosity and early logic.
Safe
100
It's a board book for babies. Zero content concerns. It’s as safe as a piece of cardboard can be, provided your kid doesn't literally eat the spine.
Enriching
94
Massive for early development. It hits object permanence, phonics, animal sounds, and self-recognition with the mirror at the end.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
The rhythmic, 'Who?' rhyming structure is like catnip for baby brains.
Die-cut windows are way more durable than actual 'flaps' that get ripped off in five seconds.
The mirror on the last page is a guaranteed hit for the 'I love looking at myself' phase.
It's short enough that you won't lose your mind when they ask you to read it for the tenth time in a row.
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What to Watch For
It is incredibly brief. If you're looking for a 'story,' this isn't it—it's an activity.
The 'Ghost' page might be a tiny bit confusing for the youngest babies who don't know what a ghost is, but they usually just like the 'BOO!' part anyway.
