Book Review Babies Love Colors - A First Lift-a-Flap Board Book for Babies and Toddlers Learning about Colors

Few things captivate a baby’s attention like bright, bold colors and interactive surprises. Babies Love Colors by Michelle Rhodes-Conway is a charming lift-a-flap board book designed to introduce infants and toddlers to the wonderful world of colors in an engaging, hands-on way. As a parent or caregiver, you know how crucial early sensory experiences are for development—this book delivers exactly that, wrapped in sturdy, baby-proof pages and playful flaps that little hands adore.

But is this book worth adding to your child’s first library? After spending time with it (and watching my little one’s delighted reactions), I’m excited to share a deep dive into what makes Babies Love Colors a standout choice for early learning.

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Unlike traditional storybooks, Babies Love Colors doesn’t follow a narrative plot. Instead, it’s structured as a series of vibrant, color-themed pages, each featuring a familiar object (like a red apple, a yellow sun, or a blue bird) hidden behind a sturdy flap. The simplicity is intentional—this book is designed for babies as young as six months, who thrive on repetition, bold visuals, and interactive elements.

Each page follows a predictable yet engaging pattern:

• Color introduction ("Red!")
• Lift-the-flap reveal (a hidden object in that color)
• Reinforcement (simple text like "A red apple!")

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Since this is a concept book rather than a storybook, the "characters" are the objects themselves—each color comes to life through familiar items. The red apple, green frog, and purple grapes aren’t just static images; they’re hidden surprises waiting to be discovered. The real "development" here is in the child’s growing recognition and excitement as they anticipate each reveal.

What makes this work so well is the careful selection of objects—each one is easily recognizable to toddlers, ensuring that the learning experience is intuitive and fun.

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Michelle Rhodes-Conway’s writing is minimalist yet effective. The text is limited to one or two words per page, making it ideal for babies who are just beginning to process language. The repetition ("Red! A red apple!") reinforces learning without overwhelming little listeners.

The lift-a-flap design is the star of the show. Unlike flimsy flaps in some books, these are thick and durable, designed to withstand enthusiastic little fingers. The peekaboo effect keeps babies engaged, turning reading into an interactive game rather than a passive activity.

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While the primary focus is color recognition, Babies Love Colors subtly introduces other early learning concepts:

• Object permanence (things exist even when hidden)
• Fine motor skills (lifting flaps strengthens finger dexterity)
• Language development (simple, repetitive phrases build vocabulary)

Parents will appreciate how much learning is packed into such a simple format.

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As a parent, I’ve read my fair share of board books—some are hits, others are quickly forgotten. Babies Love Colors has been a consistent favorite in our household. My one-year-old lights up every time we turn to the "Yellow!" page, eagerly flipping the flap to find the hidden sun. The bold, high-contrast illustrations are eye-catching, and the rhythmic text makes it easy to read aloud (even for the tenth time in a row).

What stands out most is the durability. After months of use, the flaps are still intact—a rarity in lift-a-flap books!

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How does Babies Love Colors stack up against other popular color-themed board books?

• Vs. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – While Eric Carle’s classic is lyrical and rhythmic, Babies Love Colors offers hands-on interaction, which some babies prefer.
• Vs. My First Colors: Let’s Learn Them All! (DK) – DK’s book is more comprehensive (with shades and variations), but Rhodes-Conway’s simplicity and flaps make it more engaging for younger babies.

If you want a pure color-recognition book with interactive fun, this one is a top contender.

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✅ Durable construction – Thick flaps resist tearing.
✅ Perfect pacing – Short, repetitive text holds attention.
✅ Bright, appealing illustrations – High-contrast colors captivate babies.

❌ Limited color range – Only six colors are covered (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). Parents might wish for more variety.
❌ No storyline – If you prefer narrative-driven books, this might feel too simplistic.

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This book is ideal for:

• Babies (6+ months) who are just starting to explore books.
• Toddlers (1-2 years) learning color names.
• Parents who want a sturdy, interactive book that grows with their child.

It’s less suited for older toddlers who already know their colors and crave more complex stories.

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While there aren’t traditional "quotes," the delightful predictability of each page makes it memorable. My personal favorite moment? The green frog flap—it always gets a giggle!

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Babies Love Colors is a well-designed, engaging, and durable introduction to colors that babies will want to revisit again and again. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it excels at what it sets out to do—making early learning fun, interactive, and frustration-free (for both babies and parents!).

If you’re looking for a first lift-a-flap book that will withstand toddler enthusiasm while teaching core concepts, this is a fantastic choice.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• What’s your baby’s favorite lift-a-flap book?
• How do you incorporate color learning into everyday play?

Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Happy reading (and lifting)! 📚✨

Get this book on Amazon

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