Dexter got some belated birthday pressies through the post the yesterday… some lovely new interactive books from Little Learners (by Parragon books). As Dexie was teething throughout the day, I contemplated holding them back until he was in a better mood to enjoy them, but having played Peekaboo for a whole hour (in a bid to subdue a tantrum that would register on the Richter scale), I needed to bring out the big guns for my own sanity.

When originally contacted about these books, I was given a bit of history which suggested they just might make entertaining a tired and fussy Dexter just that little bit easier. Designed in partnership with educational consultants each book in the range focuses on a different level of child development during children’s most crucial learning stages. Given Dexter is an old pro at reading now, I decided to push him on a level and plumped for the Light-Up Sound Book: Ring a Ring O Roses.

I’d seen sound books before but never been up and close and personal with one. I wasn’t able to now either, as Dexter grabbed the book out of my hands and began exploring all the noises!

We all know the rhyme, so the text is nothing new to us, but the interactive element makes these books stand apart. One button will play the tune accompanied by multicoloured flashing lights, two others will prompt sneezing sounds (as per the rhyme), another has a baby giggle that sounds so much like Dexter I might write to Parragon to see if Dexie has a voice-twin out there.

This book has become a God-send at nappy changing time. Dexter hates to lay flat on his back and I’m often chasing a half-changed bum across my living room floor. As a distraction tool it’s excellent.

Dexter was also sent the Bedtime Buddies book and mobile set. Beautifully packaged, this is a perfect gift for a newborn. It’s a very cute little “I love you” book with an easy-to-make animal mobile. As all the pieces are suspended by ribbons, you simply sew them to the mobile and a gentle breeze will see them dance above babies head. It’s surprisingly sturdy and what I like to call ‘gum-resistant’ (nothing escapes his mouth at the moment).

Thanks Little Learners - you helped achieve the impossible last night - a peaceful Dexter! (P.S. My neighbours are also grateful they didn’t have to resort to earplugs!).

All featured book titles are part of Parragon’s range of Little Learners books, for more information visit http://www.parragon.com/littlelearners/uk/index.html. You can also like them on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube!

DISCLAIMER: I was sent these books for the purposes of this review. All words and opinions are entirely my own.