My enormous thanks to the lovely team at Sweet Cherry publishing for sending me a surprise copy of 100 First Words Exploring Our Planet illustrated by Kathryn Selbert. I’m delighted to share my review today.

100 First Words Exploring Our Planet was published by Sweet Cherry on 3rd August 2023 and is available for purchase through the links here.

100 First Words Exploring Our Planet

Let’s explore our world!

With fun words and vibrant illustrations, this 100 First Words book is the perfect resource to help young children develop their early language and communication skills.

The vocabulary encourages readers to explore and observe the world around them, and learn all about the animals, plants and people on our wonderful planet.

My Review of 100 First Words Exploring Our Planet 

An ecological first vocabulary book.

What a charming book. Firstly, I must comment on the strong, robust physical attribute of 100 First Words Exploring Our Planet because it is a book that will withstand much handling, making it excellent value for money in any setting. 

The vocabulary is well chosen and grouped effectively, with not just words associated with nature, the weather, animals and food, but there are activities like running, jumping, reading and playing that are relatable for all children with jobs and families included too. I loved the inclusion of words like ‘helping’, ‘hugging’ and ‘sharing’ that create positivity too. There’s an engaging activity to find items listed at the end of the book.

However, it is the glorious illustration that truly makes 100 First Words Exploring Our Planet a lovely picture book for young children. Whilst the style is naïve so that children will love it, items are completely recognisable. I thought it was so important to have a range of ethnicity represented in the people too so that the book feels inclusive. 

I’m highly impressed by 100 First Words Exploring Our Planet because it is jam packed with variety and interest across a range of topics and can be used beyond the original intention of expanding a child’s vocabulary; for example, by supporting numeracy as children count how many sheep or cherries they can see, or by increasing oracy as children speak about which of the activities they enjoy the most. It’s a cracker of an early vocabulary picture book and I highly recommend it. 

About Kathryn Selbert

Kathryn Selbert is a freelance illustrator currently living in New York City with her French bulldog, Margot. She earned her BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and now happily creates illustrations for children, pattern, greeting cards, stationery and events. Her work is inspired by the people she meets in her everyday life, our colourful world, flora and fauna and having fun.

For further information, visit Kathryn’s website follow her on Twitter @kathrynselbert or find her on Instagram.