The Most Lovable Spot Books for Little Readers
by Lindsay Barrett
Spot the puppy has been a storytime staple since author Eric Hill created the original Where’s Spot? for his young son Christopher in 1980. Since then, Spot’s adventures have delighted generations of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers across the globe. It’s no wonder — impish, curious, and lovable Spot is essentially a toddler himself! With decades’ worth of titles from which to choose in the Spot series (just think of Spot’s legacy in dog years!), there’s a cuddly canine tale to suit any mood.
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When you’ve got a special family member in mind:
In a 2007 interview, Eric Hill commented, “Spot’s family, of course, is the backbone of the books.” Reading about Spot’s loved ones is perfect for reminding children of their own favorite people.
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Spot Loves His Mommy
Also available from: Spot Loves His Daddy
Also available from: Spot's Baby Sister
Preorder from:
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To celebrate a favorite holiday:
Spot’s adventures are just right for tucking into a stocking, including in an Easter basket, or adding to a Valentine’s treat. Spot greets every time of year with cheerful anticipation and his pink-tongued smile.
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Spot’s Christmas
Also available from: Spot’s Easter Surprise
Also available from: I Love You, Spot
Also available from: Spot’s Halloween
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Spot’s Thanksgiving
Also available from: Happy New Year, Spot!
Also available from:
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When childhood presents its challenges:
Sure, Spot has four legs, but the childhood experiences presented in this series are reliably universal. It’s reassuring that Spot must learn to behave at school, establish a bedtime routine, summon the confidence to jump into the water, and practice using good manners, just like most kids.
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Spot Goes to School
Also available from: Night-Night, Spot
Also available from: Spot Goes to the Swimming Pool
Also available from: Spot Says Please
Also available from:
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When only a book about a favorite topic will do:
Spot loves many of the same things young children do. Whether he’s romping around the farm looking for baby animals, visiting the fire station, or kicking a ball with friends, Spot gives little ones plenty of chances to use their favorite words as they exclaim over his adventures.
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Spot Goes to the Farm
Also available from: Spot Goes to the Fire Station
Also available from: Spot Plays Soccer
Also available from: Find Spot at the Stadium
Also available from:
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To motivate little helpers:
Little ones love to help out with grown-up tasks, and so does Spot. From running errands to baking together, it’s fun to compare how Spot’s family gets things done to how yours does.
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Spot Goes Shopping
Also available from: Spot Bakes a Cake
Also available from: Spot's Tractor
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To make learning basic concepts fun:
What better way to learn to count, identify colors and build vocabulary concepts than with cute little Spot? Uncluttered page spreads help young children hone in on key ideas as they enjoy these titles again and again.
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Spot’s Favorite Colors
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When you just want some good old lift-the-flap fun:
Fun fact: Did you know Eric Hill was the brainchild behind the lift-the-flap children’s book feature? He began experimenting with the idea when he noticed his son was amused by a cartoon illustration hidden under a flap of paper. Add that to your “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” list and work on perfecting your “surprised” read-aloud voice; for Spot’s little fans, the excitement of anticipating what’s hiding underneath those flaps never gets old.
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Where’s Spot?
Also available from: Spot’s First Walk
Also available from: Spot’s Peekaboo
Also available from:
What are your family’s favorite Spot books? Let us know if the comments below.