The first thing that drew me to The Quiet Book was the title.   I’m sure any parent can agree with me, if “quiet” is in the title, that book is going into rotation tonight.

Once I took a peek at the illustrations, I knew I wanted everything Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska had to offer, starting with The Quiet Book.  This book explores all types of quiet, from best friends don’t need to talk quiet to first snowfall quiet.  With such lovely text that tweaks your heart strings you will be enjoying and reminiscing with this book along with your child.  The text certainly speaks to childhood and all the quiets that come along with it, whether it be from getting caught doing something wrong or standing in awe.  As thoughtful as they are sparse, the little phrases are packed with good feelings.  To compliment the simple text are stunning illustrations by Liwska.  They are soft and rather neutral sketches of forest animals that lightly depict the story.  Liwska has a skillful hand at creating these gorgeous furry animals, really completing the sweet feel for The Quiet Book.  This is a book that can be enjoyed at anytime, but I find it a great one for bedtime as it really calls for a soft narration.  It is quite lovely read to young babes to soothe them, much like a lullaby, but this book is most appreciated by kids who have experienced the events discussed (including you, mom).

 Liwska sketching for The Quiet Book

Well if there is a quiet book, you better bet there’s going to be The LOUD Book!  Underwood and Liwska pair up again for another sensory picture book.  Just like quiets, there are many different types of loud.  This book is a little more exciting and better for your 4 and up kids to love.  There are the obvious FIRECRACKER and HOME RUN LOUDS but then there are OOPS and DEAFENING SILENCE LOUDS that will surely put a smirk on your face.  I think the best part of reading The Loud Book! (and The Quiet Book) to your kid is watching their facial reactions change.  Each page is different and ranges in emotion from excitement to humorous to childish fear, usually from doing something they shouldn’t.  The illustrations are brighter in this version, which makes sense.  The same lovable woodland creatures are featured but with a little more pizazz for the LOUD activities.

To compliment both books, MerryMakers has released three characters in plush form: bear, rabbit and duck.  The soft dolls are really adorable and pay homage to the talented work of Liwska.  Combined with the books, these make a really great gift set for any new mom or young kids you know.  The doll trio is suitable for newborns and up.  Personally, I like to read The Quiet Book at night while my daughter plays with the plush animals, which she cuddles and falls asleep with.  The next morning she then typically runs in with The LOUD Book! tucked under her arm, and I think it is a great morning story.

Both books have worked their way into our regular rotation so I recommend them both to you.  The plush set can be purchased from MerryMakers and books are found at Amazon.  Try your luck and enter to WIN The Quiet Book and The LOUD Book! below.

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Products were provided to facilitate this review.