We would argue that all picture books are ripe for interaction, but some encourage more reader participation than others. Here are some of our favourite books that prompt us to press, lift, tie, pat and build.

Play with Your Plate! by Judith Rossell

Mix and match to your heart’s content with this innovative board book that encourages youngsters to play with their food. Four separate board books nestled inside can be flipped open to make an endless array of plate combinations. Do you want tacos and pineapple? Raspberries and eggs? How about sushi, kiwi fruit and pizza? Readers can generate their own ideas, or use the suggested ways to arrange your meal – by shape, by food group or by favourites.

For ages 2 and up.

I Can Do It! by Patricia Hegarty & Hilli Kushnir

Toddlers and pre-schoolers get to try out five different types of fastenings in this sturdy and cute board book that walks them through the process of getting dressed. Actual zippers, buttons, velcro tabs, press studs and shoe laces sit alongside clear and simple illustrated instructions. Cute and very helpful.

For ages 3 and up.

I See, I See. by Robert Henderson

This clever topsy-turvy book of opposites encourages readers to look for different points of view. When you turn the book upside down, your perspective alters: left becomes right, smiles become frowns, flying becomes swimming, empty becomes full. I See, I See. is designed to be read with a friend sitting across from you, each calling and responding to each other about their different view of the page.

For ages 4 and up.

Press Here by Herve Tullet

Press here. That’s right. Just press the yellow dot. And turn the page. From this straightforward beginning readers are taken on a fun adventure as the yellow dot multiplies, changes colour and starts to move around. Kids are encourage to press, rub, shake, and tilt the book, and clap out loud. Simple and addictive.

For ages 4 and up.

The Book That Never Ends by Beck Stanton & Matt Stanton

Once you start reading this book, you’ll find it almost impossible to stop. The story starts with the bold claim that no one has ever found the end to this book. The reader is then directed through a simple series of pictures and choices: if you want to pat the lion, find the socks; if you don’t want to pat it, find the dog. But no matter how fast you pick options and turn pages, the last page is very elusive. This is a zany, silly and exhilarating book that is enormous fun to read with friends or family.

For ages 4 and up.

The House of Madame M by Clotilde Perrin & Daniel Hahn

A creepy, kooky, spooky, large-format pop-up book by an exceptional French illustrator, curious youngsters will love discovering all the minuscule and macabre details in The House of Madame M. Readers are invited to explore the home of this very mysterious resident. The hallway, living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom are crammed with scary surprises: there are flaps to lift and tabs to pull, and bizarre creatures lurk behind doors, in cooking pots and even in the toilet bowl.

For ages 6 and up.

Build Your Own History Museum by Lonely Planet Kids, Mike Love, Beatrice Blue, Claudia Martin

Calling all archaeologists. A crate has arrived for you and it’s packed with treasures from the ancient world… Can you assemble them and assign each to the right room in time for the museum’s big opening? Among the treasures to display are an Egyptian sarcophagus, a Greek temple and a Chinese Terracotta Army. This book has five pop-up cardboard museum exhibits to assemble and display, enough facts to please the most discerning history buff and vibrant illustrations.

For ages 6 and up.

Leanne Hall is a children’s and YA specialist at Readings Kids. She also writes books for children and young adults.