Moimoi, Where Are You?

Name: Moimoi, Where Are You?
ISBN: 9781615197828

by Kazuo Hiraki

For babies discovering the joy of language and sound, this book uses engaging high-contrast art and playful noises to spark delight and early interaction.

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About This Book

A parent would reach for this book when looking for a very first reading experience to share with their infant, especially one that is designed to capture a baby's developing attention. Based on scientific research, "Moimoi, Where Are You?" is a simple yet brilliant concept book from Japan. It uses high-contrast, abstract illustrations and encourages parents to make playful, nonsensical sounds. The book is a game of hide-and-seek, as the friendly blob-like character 'Moimoi' appears in different forms on each page. Perfect for babies from birth to two years, it supports visual development, introduces the concept of object permanence (the idea that things exist even when you can't see them), and fosters a joyful bond between caregiver and child. It’s an ideal choice for parents who want a book that is less about story and more about pure, delightful, and developmentally appropriate sensory interaction.

Joy & Gratitude Humor Curiosity & Wonder Art & Creativity Music

What Parents Should Know

Sensitive Topics

None. The book is abstract and contains no narrative or characters that could introduce sensitive topics.

Ideal Reader

An infant aged 3 to 18 months. It is particularly effective for babies who are just beginning to focus their vision and respond to sounds, but are not yet ready for complex narratives or detailed illustrations. It's a bridge between simple black-and-white flashcards and first picture books.

Parent Prep

No preparation is needed. The book is intuitive. The only thing for a parent to know is that they should feel free to be silly and experiment with different 'moimoi' sounds. The more playful the adult is, the more engaging the experience will be for the baby. A parent is searching for the 'perfect first book' for their baby. They may have read about the importance of high-contrast images for infant brain development and want something that feels interactive and fun, designed to actually hold their baby's attention for more than a few seconds.