Bright Baby Colors, ABC, & Numbers First Words (First 100) by Roger Priddy: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: A Vibrant Gateway to Early Learning

Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life, and books are often the first stepping stones in that journey. Bright Baby Colors, ABC, & Numbers First Words (First 100) by Roger Priddy is a delightful, visually stimulating board book designed to introduce toddlers to foundational concepts like colors, letters, and numbers. But is it worth adding to your child’s library?

As a parent and avid reviewer of children’s literature, I dove into this book to see how it stacks up against other early learning books. Does it engage young minds? Is it durable enough for tiny hands? And most importantly—does it make learning fun? Let’s explore.

Book Summary: A First Words Extravaganza

Unlike traditional storybooks, Bright Baby Colors, ABC, & Numbers First Words is a concept book, meaning it doesn’t follow a narrative. Instead, it’s a collection of bright, bold images organized into three key learning categories:

  1. Colors – Vibrant photographs of everyday objects (a red apple, a yellow banana) help toddlers associate words with hues.
  2. ABCs – Each letter is paired with a corresponding word and image (A for Apple, B for Ball).
  3. Numbers – Simple counting exercises with clear visuals (one duck, two shoes).

The book is part of Priddy’s First 100 series, known for its sturdy board format and high-contrast imagery ideal for babies and toddlers.

Character Analysis & Development: The “Characters” Are Real-Life Objects

Since this isn’t a storybook, there are no traditional characters. Instead, the “stars” of the book are the everyday objects depicted—fruits, animals, toys, and household items. The brilliance lies in how these images are curated:

  • Realistic Photos Over Cartoons – Unlike many baby books that use illustrations, Priddy opts for real-life photographs, which studies suggest help with word-object association in early learning.
  • Diversity in Representation – The book includes a variety of items, ensuring that children see a broad spectrum of familiar (and some new) objects.

While there’s no plot-driven character arc, the development here is in the child’s growing vocabulary and recognition skills.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Simple, Effective, Repetitive (In a Good Way!)

Priddy’s approach is minimalist yet intentional:

  • One Word Per Image – Each page features a single word paired with a photo, reinforcing word-picture association.
  • Bold, High-Contrast Text – The words are printed in large, easy-to-read fonts, perfect for pointing and reading aloud.
  • Repetition for Reinforcement – The book encourages revisiting pages, which is key for memory retention in early learning.

The lack of a narrative might disappoint parents looking for a storytime book, but that’s not this book’s purpose. It’s a learning tool first and foremost.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: Building Blocks of Early Education

At its core, Bright Baby Colors, ABC, & Numbers is about:

  • Language Acquisition – Helping toddlers connect spoken words to real-world objects.
  • Cognitive Development – Encouraging recognition, categorization, and early counting skills.
  • Sensory Engagement – The bright colors and high-quality images stimulate visual learning.

While it doesn’t delve into complex themes (it’s for babies, after all!), its value lies in its simplicity and effectiveness.

Personal Reading Experience: Why My Toddler Loves It

As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how this book captivates young children. Here’s why it worked for us:

✅ Durable & Toddler-Proof – The thick board pages withstand chewing, tossing, and enthusiastic page-turning.
✅ Clear, Uncluttered Layout – Some baby books overwhelm with too many images per page, but this one keeps it simple.
✅ Encourages Interaction – My child loves pointing at pictures and repeating words after me.

That said, if your child prefers narrative books (like Goodnight Moon or Brown Bear, Brown Bear), this might feel too “educational” rather than “fun.” But as a learning supplement? It’s fantastic.

Comparison to Other Books in the Genre

How does Bright Baby Colors, ABC, & Numbers compare to similar books?

📖 Vs. First 100 Words (also by Priddy) – This book is more focused, splitting content into colors, ABCs, and numbers rather than a broad word collection.
📖 Vs. Eric Carle’s ABC – Carle’s book is illustrated, while Priddy’s uses photos, which some kids may find more relatable.
📖 Vs. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – That book is a story about letters, while this is a straightforward reference guide.

If you want a no-frills, educational-first book, Priddy’s is a winner. If you prefer rhyming narratives, you might supplement with other titles.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✔ Excellent for Early Vocabulary – The real-life images help with word retention.
✔ Sturdy Construction – Survives toddler handling better than flimsy paperbacks.
✔ Bright, Engaging Visuals – The colors pop, holding a child’s attention.

Weaknesses:

❌ No Storyline – Not a bedtime story book; purely educational.
❌ Limited Interactivity – No flaps or textures like some other baby books.

Target Audience: Who Is This Book For?

  • Ages 0-3 – Ideal for babies and toddlers just starting to recognize objects and words.
  • Parents Who Want a Learning-Focused Book – Great for daily word practice.
  • Gift-Givers – A practical baby shower or first birthday present.

Not the best fit for parents seeking a lyrical, narrative-driven read-aloud.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

Since this is a concept book, there aren’t traditional quotes, but some standout pages include:

  • “A is for Apple” – A crisp, red apple makes the connection instant.
  • “Yellow Banana” – Simple, clear, and visually appealing.
  • “1, 2, 3” Counting Page – Helps toddlers grasp early numeracy.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Early Learning

Bright Baby Colors, ABC, & Numbers First Words is a fantastic first book for babies and toddlers. Its simplicity is its strength—no gimmicks, just effective early learning. While it won’t replace storytime favorites, it’s a valuable tool for building vocabulary and recognition skills.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Parents:

  • What’s your child’s favorite first words book?
  • Do you prefer illustrated or photo-based books for early learning?
  • How do you balance educational books with storybooks in your routine?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 📚✨

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.