One of the greatest gifts we can give young children is the experience of connection—through play, through laughter, and through the simple act of reading together. The earliest books in a child’s life aren’t just about learning words. They’re about building relationships, creating joy, and engaging all the senses in ways that help little minds grow.

That’s exactly what drew me to Are You Speedy by Tim Button. This interactive board book is full of movement, sound, and imagination, inviting young readers to participate in the story in a way that feels natural, playful, and engaging. It’s the kind of book that brings parents and children together in those meaningful, everyday moments that matter most.

I had the pleasure of talking with Tim about the inspiration behind the book, the importance of sensory learning, and what makes reading with young children such a powerful experience.

What inspired you to create Are You Speedy and how did the idea for this interactive, vehicle-themed story come to life?

I wrote my first book in my “It’s You!” series, Are You Wiggly?, when our youngest child (now 17 yrs old!) was born. This book, as well as the two others in the series that followed, Are You Giggly? and Are You Snuggly?,  all featured animals, insects, and critters. Are You Speedy? is written using the same "It’s You!” formula, but with a pivot to all different trucks and a race car for those kids that love those things!!

Writing for children ages 0–3 is unique and intentional. What do you think makes a board book truly engaging for this age group?

Definitely the colorful illustrations with vivid shapes and colors, as well as the ability for parents to, along with their kids, mimic movements and sounds that the various characters make throughout each book.

Your books are filled with movement, sound, and interaction. Why is that kind of sensory engagement so important for early childhood development?

At these ages, a child’s brain is still forming, so sensory experiences are a must. Seeing a word, hearing a word, and seeing a motion or hearing a sound associated with that word is extremely important. It keeps them engaged, helps them build language, and fosters social engagement with the parent or whoever is reading the book to them.

The surprise mirror at the end is such a fun and meaningful touch. What inspired that idea, and what do you hope children experience in that moment?

This started out as just a fun little story for our youngest son. I had held a mirror up to him at one point and just watching his fascination and curiosity was just so fun so I thought it would be an engaging ending to my story.

The illustrations by Ana Larrañaga are vibrant and expressive. How did the collaboration come together, and how do you work together to bring the story to life?

My publisher, The Collective Book Studio, offered up a few options, but once I saw Ana’s work, choosing her was a no brainer! I wish I could say we worked together to bring it to life, but the truth is, she read my words and performed her magic to bring these books to life. I would make suggestions along the way if I had any requests, but that was very seldom and she gets all the credit for making these bright, vibrant, colorful, and engaging books.

While the book is playful, there’s also a message about individuality and participation. What do you hope children (and parents) take away from the story? These books are written at a very seemingly basic level, obviously on purpose for their audience. However, the message that can be taken away from kids as they get older and begin to understand better is that everyone is different in their own way…looks, colors, movements, sounds, etc...and that’s how its supposed to be!!!

These books seem designed for shared reading moments. What do you love most about how parents and caregivers interact with children through your books?

Seeing videos that people send me of parents reading these books with their children, grandchildren, students, etc. is the most amazing thing and makes it all so worthwhile. Watching them make the sounds and/or movements together is absolutely my favorite part!!

You’ve been writing since childhood and now blend creativity with your professional work. How has your own journey influenced the way you write for children?

I’d say having our own kids was really the driver for me. When there were babies, watching them engage with us with all different colors, sounds, movements, etc. whether it be books, music, puppets, toys, etc. as they grew up, gave me a real sense of what babies would like and engage with in a  board book.

As this series continues to grow, what can readers look forward to next, and what excites you most about continuing to create for young audiences?

The books I’m working on now in this same series are more holiday related — planning on a Christmas version and a Halloween version. I’m also working on a  bedtime book in this series as well!!

We’d also love any advice you have for parents looking to create joyful, meaningful reading moments with their children.

My books basically give parents a playbook to engagement with their young child. Each page is filled with colors, movements, or sounds of some type that they can mimic along with their children. My advice would be to just be as active as possible. They can’t read, so they are getting these stories from what their parents are reading and acting out and the noises they are making verbally. Those are the connections they will make to their child and that means so much to me!! I hope they all enjoy!

What I love most about Tim’s work is the reminder that reading with young children isn’t about doing it “right.” It’s about showing up, being present, and allowing yourself to be part of the experience right alongside them.

Books like Are You Speedy create an opportunity to connect in a way that is joyful, interactive, and memorable. The sounds, the movement, the laughter—these are the moments that build not only early learning, but also trust, confidence, and connection.

At Best Ever You, we believe growth begins in these small, meaningful moments. Whether it’s reading a book, sharing a laugh, or simply being fully present with the people you love, those moments matter.

So take the time. Be playful. Be engaged. And enjoy the experience.

Because when you grow, the world grows with you.

Are You Speedy?: A Construction Vehicle Board Book for Toddlers (It's YOU! Books)

Find out who’s speedy—and who’s not—in this playful interactive construction truck board book with a surprise mirror at the end!

Hi, Dump Truck. Are you speedy?

How about you, Bulldozer? Are you speedy?

Little ones meet a lively parade of construction trucks and vehicles in this playful, interactive board book that asks the question: Who is speedy?

From excavators and mixers to tow trucks and tractors, each vehicle has its own special job and its own way of moving. With cheerful sound words and charming illustrations, children will love guessing which machines zoom the fastest.

Here’s what makes Are You Speedy? a storytime favorite:

• Truck Characters Toddlers Love: A playful lineup of dump trucks, bulldozers, excavators, and other construction vehicles keeps little transportation fans engaged.

• Interactive Mirror Surprise: The final page reveals the speediest character of all—the reader—creating a delightful moment of self-recognition.

• Perfect Read-Aloud Rhythm: Repetition and playful sound words make this board book ideal for interactive storytime with babies and toddlers.

• Built for Little Hands: Sturdy board pages are designed for ages 0–4 and stand up to repeated reading.

Are You Speedy? is an interactive board book full of trucks, movement, and read-aloud fun—perfect for toddlers, little vehicle lovers, and families who can’t get enough of things that zoom.

Tim Button began writing as a child when he and his grandmother exchanged letters written in rhyme. Today, he advises businesses on technology and continues to play with words and voices as a writer and voice-over artist. A lifelong sports enthusiast and youth coach, Tim lives in Moorestown, New Jersey, with his wife, three no longer-wiggly children, and two dogs.

Ana Martin Larrañaga was born in San Sebastian, Spain, and grew up in the countryside of Castilla, in a huge family, surrounded by cousins and animals. At school, she drew little stories on every possible piece of paper. In Salamanca, where she studied Fine Arts, teachers told her to draw very big things. When she finished her studies, she returned to her small drawings and became an award-winning illustrator. Ana lives in Germany with her husband, three sons, and one cat. She likes swimming in the sea in the summer and knitting in winter.