Tickly Prickly 4.3.1

The collaborative work of award-winning author Bonny Becker and artist Shari Halpern results in an interactive children's book designed for ages 1 to 4, focusing on lively depictions of animals and bugs. The gently rhythmic text, narrated by the author, is crafted to engage young listeners' auditory senses effectively. The vibrant artwork employs materials such as paper, cloth, and paint, inviting tactile exploration from children.

The narrative employs vivid imagery to evoke sensory experiences, such as "Did you ever have a chick nestle in your lap? How did it feel? Puffy. Peeping. Fluffy. Sleeping," fostering imaginative engagement and connection with the content.

Each page features animals in motion—such as a flapping moth, a wiggly puppy, or a snorting horse—where touching the illustrations restarts their movement, enhancing interactivity. Through tapping designated puzzle pieces, children can complete four-piece jigsaw puzzles reflective of the scene, promoting fine motor skills and puzzle-solving abilities. The reading experience is versatile: pages can be navigated through swipe actions or by tapping orange arrows, with narration available for adult or child-led reading sessions featuring word highlighting.

Bonny Becker's extensive publishing history includes the bestselling “A Visitor for Bear,” recipient of the E.B. White Read Aloud Award and featured on Oprah Winfrey’s Children's Book List. Her book “The Quiet Way Home” has been incorporated into the educational program Before Five in A Row, targeting early childhood development. Overall, she has authored twelve children's books.

Shari Halpern is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with a focus on illustration. Her portfolio includes illustrations for numerous children's titles such as "Hush, Little Baby" and the "I Love" series by Philemon Sturges. Residing in New Jersey with her husband—a puppet maker—and their three children, she brings a rich visual perspective to her work.