What Is It?

Kids today are a whiz with cell phones and tablets and all sorts of technology. But what would happen if you showed them what those same gadgets looked like when you, your parents, or even your grandparents were kids?

What Is It? presents images of early versions of everyday tools and technology we use today, such as phones, cameras, televisions, washing machines, with lift-the-flap prompts asking preschoolers to identify the item. Clues on each page provide hints to what the mystery item is. A simple lift of the flap will reveal the answer! Guaranteed giggles of delight will come from this look at some of the craziest changes over the decades of inventions we take for granted today.

10 FUN CHALLENGES: Young readers are challenged to identify 10 early versions of familiar objects and technologies including phones, cameras, televisions, washing machines, and more!

POP CULTURE BONDING: Parents, grandparents, and entertaining aunts and uncles can introduce young readers to the technology of the past and prompt inter-generational storytelling and bonding.

FUN PHOTOS: From the wildest designs to the craziest contraptions, kids will delight at the photos of the strangest-looking inventions from the past.

BUILD EARLY LITERACY SKILLS: Reading together supports print motivation, print awareness, letter knowledge, vocabulary, and phonological awareness.

GREAT GIFT: Be the most playful gift giver in the room at baby showers, gender reveals, and birthday parties.