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Relive the Glory Days with these ’80s-Inspired Board Books for Your Toddler

You’re never too young to appreciate Bowie.

by Ali Mierzejewski
3 m
Source: Insight Editions/the Toy Insider
Dust off your cassette tapes and throw on those leg warmers — Insight Editions has new Play Pop board books that are the perfect purchase for parents that were ‘80s babies. Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Straight to the Castle and Ghostbusters: Book of Shapes are prime examples of the “there’s also stuff in it for parents” genre. While kids may not be familiar with Jareth or Venkman, they’ll love the interactive features of these board books. Parents will get the added value of reading a kids’ book  that features their favorite stories from the ‘80s.
Interior of ‘Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Straight to the Castle’ | Source: Insight Editions
In Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Straight to the Castle, kids can guide Sarah and her friends through the labyrinth to help track down her little brother, Toby, who has been taken by the Goblin King. This book teaches kids about opposites, directions, and more with pull tabs that reveal more elements of the story. Kids can fine-tune their observational, directional, and fine-motor skills all in one book. And for those who are worried Labyrinth might be a little too “dark” for their babies, no worries! The colorfully illustrated board book makes all of the characters look very fun! Plus, I’m of the opinion that you’re never too young to learn about Bowie.
Interior of ‘Ghostbusters: Book of Shapes’ | Source: Insight Editions
Ghostbusters: Book of Shapes takes kids through the shapes found in the classic Ghostbusters films. From the adorable square head of the evil Stay Puft Marshmallow Man to the round wheels of Ecto-1, kids will learn the basic building blocks that make up everything in the world around them. Featuring shapes that are both die-cut into the pages and layered on top of them, this book is a full tactile experience. Kids can trace the shapes layered on or cut out of the adorable illustrations to familiarize themselves with the shapes even further. Plus, since this game challenges kids to find the shapes throughout, they also spruce up their counting and color recognition skills.

Related: Toddler Play Goes Retro with New Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Toys

Both books are super durable with super thick board, so if little hands drop them (or, you know, throw them), they won’t get too beaten up. The pull tabs and lift-the-flaps on the Labyrinth book are also far from flimsy, and are pretty thick as far as tabs go, meaning kids can play independently since they have something pretty sturdy to hold on to. Of course, at $9.99 each, these books are also very accessible if you’d need to buy a replacement from — well — life with a toddler. So if you’re looking to restock your bookshelf — or for the perfect gift for a parent in your life — definitely go for these adorable books featuring classic characters. Your 3-year-old might not get how absolutely cool these books are, but they will make your ‘80s-movie-loving heart sing.

JIM HENSON’S LABYRINTH: STRAIGHT TO THE CASTLE

FInd the way through the Goblin King's labyrinth in this interactive board book that teaches preschoolers the difference between up and down and left and right. Follow Sarah and Hoggle as they make their way through the labyrinth to the Goblin King's castle. Using pull tabs and lift-the-flaps, beginning readers will learn directions as they…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.
Amazon Walmart BARNES AND NOBLE

GHOSTBUSTERS: BOOK OF SHAPES

Young readers will delight in this interactive book that takes them through the shapes found in the Ghostbusters films. From the adorable square head of the evil Stay Puft Marshmallow Man to the round wheels of Ecto-1, readers will learn the basic building blocks that make up our world. Featuring shapes that are both die-cut…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.
Amazon Target BARNES AND NOBLE

About the author

Ali Mierzejewski

Ali Mierzejewski

Ali Mierzejewski is the editor-in-chief at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider. With more than a decade of industry experience, Ali is a trusted source for parents, gift-givers, manufacturers, retailers, and more on the latest trends and hottest products. Whether you’re shopping for the best toys for kids — or looking for the latest in geek culture and entertainment for yourself — Ali’s expertise has you covered. When she’s not building LEGO sets or unwinding with a puzzle, Ali is obsessing over the latest season of The Bachelor, scrolling through Gritty’s Twitter, or rewatching The West Wing (for the 100th time). She is also a self-proclaimed expert on the history and lore of the entire Bachelor franchise. Ali has been featured on TODAY, The Wendy Williams Show, Fox & Friends, HLN, The Weather Channel, ABC World News Now, and more. You can follow her on Instagram @hashtagtrendy.

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