Peekaboo Morning
About This Book
A young child plays peekaboo with everything in a bright morning — the dog, the cat, the toys, Grandma, and the brand-new day outside the window. Rachel Isadora's rich, vibrant illustrations feature a Black family and make this a joyful celebration of morning routine, game-playing, and the love that fills a home.
Themes
Morning RoutinePlayFamily
Best For
- Morning read-aloud routines with babies and young toddlers
- Families looking for joyful, everyday representation of Black family life
- First board book purchases for infants and babies as young as 6 months
- Grandparents reading with grandchildren — the Grandma character creates a natural connection
- Child care settings and libraries serving children ages 0 to 2
Why Parents Love This Book
Rachel Isadora's "Peekaboo Morning" earns a permanent spot on the shelf because it transforms the most ordinary part of a toddler's day — waking up — into something genuinely joyful. The peekaboo game threads naturally through every moment: the child hides behind hands, pillows, and curtains, revealing the dog, the cat, beloved toys, Grandma, and finally the wide world outside. Isadora's illustrations are lush and warm, rendered in rich, deep colors that feel alive and celebratory rather than pastel-soft. The family at the center is Black, and the representation feels completely natural and matter-of-fact, which matters enormously for families who rarely see themselves in board books. The text is spare and rhythmic — perfect for very young children — while the pictures carry layers of detail that reward repeated readings. It celebrates the simple truth that morning, family, and play are more than enough to fill a small child's world with wonder.
Reading Tips for Parents
Play the game as you read — pause before each "Peekaboo!" and let your child pull your hands away from your face or lift the book flap of your imagination. Toddlers around 12 to 18 months especially love the anticipation of the reveal, so slow down and let them feel the suspense. Use the illustrations as conversation starters: name the animals, point to the toys, and ask "Where's the doggie?" to build vocabulary without drilling. The morning setting makes this an ideal pre-nap or pre-bedtime read-aloud, reinforcing familiar daily landmarks. If your child wants to play along independently, let them cover their own face and shout "Peekaboo!" back at you — the book naturally invites that participation. Multiple re-reads in a single sitting are completely normal and developmentally valuable for this age.
Awards & Recognition
- New York Times Notable Children's Book recognition for Rachel Isadora's body of work
- Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator (Rachel Isadora has received this honor for other titles)
Educational Value
This book helps children develop skills across multiple areas:
- Object permanence: The peekaboo structure reinforces the foundational cognitive concept that things continue to exist even when hidden from view.
- Vocabulary: Each page introduces naming words — dog, cat, toys, Grandma, window — in a natural, low-pressure context that supports early language acquisition.
- Social-emotional: The warmth between the child, Grandma, and pets models secure attachment and the comfort of familiar morning routines.
- Sequencing: The book follows a clear morning progression that helps toddlers understand the order and predictability of daily life.
- Representation: Seeing a Black family in an everyday, joyful setting builds mirrors for Black children and windows for all others.
- Phonological awareness: The repeated rhythm of 'Peekaboo!' supports early awareness of sound patterns and predictable language structure.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions to spark conversation before, during, or after reading:
- Who does the child play peekaboo with in the morning? Can you name all the friends?
- What do you do first thing in the morning when you wake up?
- If you played peekaboo with something in your house, what would you pick?
- How does Grandma look when she sees peekaboo? How does that make you feel?
- What did the child see when they looked out the window at the brand-new day?
Content Notes for Parents
There are no scary, sad, or mature elements in this book. It is gentle, warm, and entirely appropriate for babies and toddlers from birth onward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is 'Peekaboo Morning' best for?
This book is ideal for babies and toddlers from about 6 months through age 3. Very young babies enjoy the bright, high-contrast illustrations and the sound of the word 'Peekaboo,' while older toddlers engage more actively with the game and can name the animals and family members they see.
Is this a board book or a picture book?
It is a board book, which means the pages are thick and durable — well-suited for babies and toddlers who explore books with their hands (and sometimes their mouths). The sturdy format makes it a practical choice for independent handling by very young children.
Are there any content concerns parents should know about?
None at all. The book is entirely gentle and positive, centered on play, family love, and the pleasure of a morning at home. It is one of the most content-safe options available for the youngest readers.
What makes this different from other peekaboo books?
Where many peekaboo books rely on simple flaps or bright primary colors, Rachel Isadora brings her award-winning illustration style to the format — the images are rich, painterly, and full of warmth. The grounding in a real family morning routine also gives the book more emotional depth than a purely concept-driven peekaboo title.
Are there similar books we might enjoy alongside this one?
If your family loves this book, look for other Rachel Isadora titles such as 'Uh-Oh!' and 'Say Hello!' which share her vibrant style and celebration of everyday childhood moments. 'Goodnight Moon' by Margaret Wise Brown and 'Global Babies' by the Global Fund for Children are also well-loved board books for the same age range.
