Books provide children with more than just entertainment. They can open up new worlds, stimulate imagination, educate about various subjects, and foster a lasting appreciation for reading. Research indicates that consistent daily reading, even for just 20 minutes, can significantly enhance a child's vocabulary, critical thinking abilities, and self-confidence.
However, finding time for shared reading can be challenging in busy households. Cali's Books addresses this need with our range of interactive books, which are designed to make early reading both accessible and enjoyable. These interactive books feature press-and-play buttons, engaging music, and audio narration, allowing young children to enjoy stories either with their parents or independently. An added benefit is that all the books mentioned here are rechargeable - this enables repeated use for ongoing reading, learning, and enjoyment.
Top Interactive Books
Why interactive books? Well, the joy of storytelling and hands-on elements combine in these engaging reads, which captivate young minds. Interactive books stimulate multiple senses by including sounds and textures, which enhance the reading experience and help kids develop crucial cognitive and motor skills.
Such books are both entertaining and educational, making them a hit with both kids and parents. Their aim is to encourage active participation, improve concentration, and boost language development. Without further ado, let’s jump into our best-selling interactive books that are perfect gifts for kids.
Wind Down with Courtney English
Know a toddler who struggles to get to sleep? An exhausted parent desperate to put bedtime battles to rest? Wind Down might just be their best gift ever. Created in collaboration with pediatric occupational therapist Courtney English, this sound book helps ease young children to sleep with a calming nightly ritual of six sensory activities set to music. From connection to movement to deep breathing, each step in the routine prepares kids’ minds and bodies for a restful night.
Spread even more cheer: Gift a whole collection of nighttime reading with the Bedtime Bundle. The set includes Wind Down along with Twinkle Little Star and Bedtime: Six Classical Pieces.
Contemos by Olga Segura
This next pick is perfect for bilingual families or anyone interested in introducing a new language early. Little ones will love to sing, dance and count along with Contemos, a Spanish-language sound book based on the traditional Latin American nursery rhyme, Un Elefante Se Balanceaba. Each elephant invites another to dance with them, because dancing is even more fun when we do it together! Created in collaboration with film producer and activist, Olga Segura, the story shares an important message of teamwork, unity and shared joy.
Spread even more cheer: Kickstart their Spanish-language library with the Spanish Bundle. The set includes Contemos and a Spanish Nursery Rhymes book.
You Are My Sunshine: Six Nursery Rhymes
The holidays are a great time to introduce family traditions, new and old! What better way than to share some of the nursery rhymes you grew up with? This vibrant sound book brings together six timeless tunes like You Are My Sunshine, Doctor Foster and Rain, Rain, Go Away. Little ones can sing, dance and create lasting memories with the people they love most.
Spread even more cheer: Complete their classic collection with The Nursery Rhyme Bundle, which brings together five sound books for a total of 30 nursery rhymes! From Patty Cake to Humpty Dumpty, it’s the perfect gift for endless sing-along fun.
The Nutcracker: Six Tchaikovsky Pieces
This next gift brings the magic of the holidays to life with music from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker ballet. Songs like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and March of the Toy Soldiers make the perfect introduction to classical music. Lively illustrations and charming characters add to the festive fun. Gift it under the tree, in their stocking or as an extra-special advent calendar surprise.
Spread even more cheer: Elf’s Holiday Set combines The Nutcracker and Jingle Bells sound books for double the holiday spirit.
infinibook
If you’re looking for a gift that really brings the wow factor, the infinibook is it. Created for 3-7-year olds, the infinibook is Cali’s Books’ new interactive reader that looks and feels like a physical book. Beautifully designed paperback booklets connect with the reader to bring their favorite stories to life. Montessori-style games at the end of each story reinforce learning and keep the fun going.
The best part? You can record your voice narrating the stories, so kids can read with you even when you can’t be by their side. A lasting keepsake and educational tool in one, the infinibook is perfect for grandparents, parents or anyone who wants to make a big impression on the little ones in their life this holiday season.
Spread even more cheer: Cali’s Books offers a range of infinibook bundles, whether you want to gift an entire library or just get them started with the experience. Each booklet in the bundle features a fresh take on a classic story, from The Three Little Pigs to Cinderella.
- Ultimate Bundle: Reader + 6 Booklets
- Family Bundle: Reader + 3 Booklets
- Starter Bundle: Reader + 1 Booklet
Summary
When selecting the perfect interactive sound book from Cali's Books as a gift, we recommend considering your child's age, interests, and developmental stage. For toddlers, you can opt for simpler stories with bright visuals . Preschoolers might enjoy more complex narratives and a wider range of sounds that our infinibook offers.
Choose themes that align with your child's passions, whether it's animals, vehicles, or fairy tales. We believe that the right book should not only entertain but also challenge and grow with your child, fostering a love for reading that lasts well beyond their early years.