Review: Usborne's Lift and Look Train

Welcome to our first ever Usborne book review! Today's review is brought to you by:

(Joel......... age 5)
(Evan....... age 5)
(Luke....... age 4)
(Mommy.... yeah, right!)

Click to buy 

The Lift and Look flap book is one of the most popular choices in our house! The boys were really excited to talk about it.

Mom: Guys, tonight I would like you to tell me about this book. It seems like you read it a lot. Can you explain what it is that you like about it?

Evan: This train book is great because it is hidden pictures to try and find the bear on each page.
Joel: Yeah, it's like a mystery you have to solve. You have to think and remember where the bear is hiding.

Mom: Okay, that is neat. Is there anything else that makes you enjoy it so much?

Luke: The trains are really neat looking. They look real. And the animals are so cute.
Joel: Yeah, the pictures look kind of real. They aren't like drawings.
Evan: Yeah and see the trains? See the people inside? These are really good pictures to look at.
Joel: And it is a good book because we don't have to wait for someone to read it to us. I can just look at the book by myself and read it. Sometimes waiting for someone else is boring, so I like looking at this one.

Mom: Guys, I never thought about these reasons that make you like the book so much. So, if there was a mom who wanted to buy a book for her kids, and she saw this one, would you recommend it to her? Would you tell her that she should get this for her own kids that are four or five or six years old?

All three: YES!
Joel: Mom, can we read this book now?


The Reading Pod gives Trains Lift and Look  ALL THUMBS UP!

Click here to buy the book

If you have the Lift and Look books, I'd love to hear from you! Do your kids have a favorite? 

Mom's Point-of-View: Why We Became An Usborne Family

A few years ago, I learned of a company called Usborne Books & More. An acquaintance had mentioned how much she loved being an independent consultant of this fantastic company that specializes in high quality children's books. As a certified teacher and (then) mom of three, my interest was peaked, and, long story short, I decided to jump on board as an independent consultant myself. I knew virtually nothing about the product, but I liked what I saw, and figured maybe it was worth a shot. I received my business starter kit and immediately realized just what makes Usborne Books so special. I was a happy camper, and figured if I never did anything with my new job title, I was completely okay with that, because it was worth joining just for the books alone! And ultimately, that is exactly what happened. I decided not to actually pursue being a consultant, but instead just enjoyed the perks of being a part of the company. I was happy, and my children were happy.

I read the books over and over (and over...) to my kids. No matter what other books we purchased or received as gifts, time and again, our Usborne titles were the books they continually went back to reading. When friends would ask about the company or the books, I would rave about the quality, both in the stories themselves, as well as the high quality of the actual products. I encouraged them to find an active consultant and place an order.

I'm not sure why it took me years to realize it, but finally it occurred to me: WE are an Usborne family! We love the books! I love the company! I'm totally sold, I'm telling others how much I love them, I am proud to be a part of the name. So WHY ON EARTH AM I NOT SHARING MY LOVE AS AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT MYSELF?

And that is exactly how I came to again be an independent consultant with Usborne Books & More. There is so much that this company does RIGHT. There is a community of consultants across the country who love feel the same way. And, like me, there are a lot of moms who see the difference with Usborne and Kane/Miller books.

Think of it as nutrition for your brain. Everyone has to eat. You can choose lcheap fast food, and say, "Hey, it's a meal. Good enough, right?" or you can choose high-quality, freshly grown, truly nutritional options that aren't just filling you up, but are actually making your life better. That's how I see Usborne books. The books aren't just there to fill your shelves. They are engaging, overflowing with information that honestly helps your child grow and learn. The books are high quality items that aren't going to easily fall apart or be quickly forgotten. They come from a company that truly believes in its product, in its consultants, and in keeping its customers returning for more.

This time, I'm sticking around. I'm not here on a whim; I'm not hoping I get something out of it. I'm here, telling you about something that I love, that my kids love, and that I am really excited to share with others.

If you love Usborne Books, I'd love to hear your story, too! Leave a comment and share the love!