11Jul
When I got the opportunity to review a LEGO’s product, I jumped at the chance because LEGO’s rank supreme around my house these days. Gracie likes them because they are bold, bright colors and big enough to chew on (we have a couple different sets of the DUPLO size for my two tykes). Bean likes them because he is able to really build with them now. Last weekend we built a jail that quickly turned into a zoo. As most jails do, I supposed. And I like them because they inspire creativity in my kids. Chris heard this clip on NPR one time about how the greatest, most intellectually challenging toy your can buy your child is a set of blocks (LEGOs, in our case). They are totally driven by the child, with no sounds or motion or action that is created by pushing a button. And I really love that about LEGOs. When I found out the Legos product I’d be reviewing combined LEGOs with books, I squealed. Books! Legos! The intellectual capacity of my children will runneth over!!! (Gracie EATS LEGOs and books, so take “intellectual capacity” with a grain of salt…) Lego has come out with a new product that, quite frankly, makes me go, “Duh!” In the new Read and Build building sets, you get a board book and a set of Legos that has every piece you need to build major parts of the story book. Brilliant!
Especially for moms like me who’s son often says, “Mommy, make the zoo that’s on the picture,” and who has no clue how to even begin. A book with a step-by-step building process is gold.† More than gold, though, the book is actually a great little gem all on it’s own. It’s not like one of those flimsy little books they add to toys as a way to market the toy as “educational.” This book could actually be sold on it’s own, independent of the building set. Both Bean and Gracie love to read, and they ate this one right up.
As with LEGOs in general, I think it’s the bright colors and simplicity that gets their attention. I like that the story is simple and uses small words. It’s the perfect level for a preschooler, like Bean, who is beginning to work on sight words.†
This particular Read & Build†book, “Let’s Go! Vroom!” takes you through a story about an airplane pilot and a race car driver. As it tells you the story, it shows you how to build the airplane and the race car. I read the story to both my kids, and Bean worked on putting together the pieces. He did it 95% on his own the first time, and then he could do it himself after that. We’ve been reading it for a couple days now, and I am amazed that he hasn’t lost any of the pieces and at how fast he can construct the plane and car now. 
These sets are fun and educational, which makes them perfect for toddlers and preschoolers (especially preschoolers). I really like these, too, as birthday presents for other kids Bean’s age. They aren’t expensive and are guaranteed to please both the parents and the kids.
To promote this fun new product, BlogHer is offering a $100 LEGO gift card sweepstakes to a lucky blog reader! To be entered to win, leave a comment below telling me how you think LEGO DUPLO “Read & Build” will help your child learn to read. Good luck!
Visit LEGO.com†to see other Read & Build sets and order online.†Check out†BlogHer.com†to find other reviews and more ways you can enter to win.
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available†here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/11 ñ 8/19/12.
1) Summer: My son would love this product. Granted at 18months he would just throw the Legos but he loves books and eventually would love building too! (07.11.2012 06:38pm)
2) Megan: Well my future children is bound to love Legos since my husband is set on making sure of that. And I'm set on making sure they love reading. So this is a perfect combo for the children we'll have some day. (07.11.2012 06:48pm)
3) Alex: My 2-year-old would totally love this! Books and Legos TOGETHER?! (07.11.2012 07:13pm)
4) Nicole T.: I think any kid would benefit from being able to use the Legos and the book. It is perfect to teach kids that there is a process behind building something. Also, I always wanted to build the Fallingwater Lego House! (07.11.2012 07:17pm)
5) Krissy: Honestly, I think my husband would be fighting Athen for this! But really, that is such a great idea! (07.11.2012 07:53pm)
6) Betty: Levi would love this! He has just started building with his Duplo sets, and LOVES "tories" so this is the perfect time to introduce this product to him! Thanks for offering this giveaway! (07.11.2012 07:55pm)
7) Miriam: My son loves duplo Legos too! I'll have to get one of these for his birthday in a few weeks!! (07.11.2012 08:17pm)
8) Amy VH: My two children would LOVE these, especially my 3 year old Deegan. He loves to build things and read books, how perfect is that. I believe he will be getting these for some of his Christmas Presents. :) Thanks for the opportunity. (07.11.2012 08:27pm)
9) Amy VH: Here is my tweet https://twitter.com/amyhvh/status/223212591772737536 (07.11.2012 08:30pm)
10) Sara: My son will love these in about a year. And I love that the book is a board book! (07.11.2012 08:35pm)
11) Maddy's Aunt: My niece, Maddy Rose, would love this. She is really into books and being read to...but she also likes interactive toys like blocks. She is a little young but I know she would love to watch Da-ddy build her cars and planes :) (07.11.2012 08:46pm)
12) Dawn: My little granddaughter would LOVE these. I already think that she has tendencies to be an engineer! Of course, this Granny thinks her little darling is the smartest little girl ever! (07.11.2012 08:53pm)
13) Jen @ Ginger Guide: This makes me laugh because Sullivan has just started playing with my Duplos that I had as a kid and my hubby is a total LEGO nerd, as his collection in our office can verify. I need to check these out! (07.11.2012 09:01pm)
14) Elizabeth: My son just got a few sets of these as big brother presents when our younger son was born. I think it will definitely help him read because he will see the words on the page and actively work on building the pieces! (07.11.2012 09:43pm)
15) Sarah: My son is about to turn 1 and loves both books and demolishing whatever I build with blocks. We were thinking about starting him with Duplos as a birthday present, but to have some to go along with books would just be amazing! My husband is also excited about having legos in the house now, so he has an excuse to play with them himself ;) (07.11.2012 09:59pm)
16) Lindsay (Young Married Mom): SO COOL. I was just about to write a post on my blog about how I love books that kids can interact with. I used to work at a publishing house that did picture books, and while they are a beautiful art form, some not-yet-two-year-olds just aren't ready for them. My son (and I . . . and my husband/his dad) would LOVEEE these! (07.11.2012 10:02pm)
17) Amanda H: Those are so cool. They might be too young for my son but not for my nephew!!! Legos are still big in my house, we are always building something new. Right now we build a lot of zelda swords. :) (07.11.2012 10:02pm)
18) Christen: My son is 6 months, so not quite ready for LEGOS. However, I teach K-2 special education and these book sets would make a great center for my students! (07.11.2012 10:14pm)
19) Tiffany: My 16th month old Katie, would love these. She loves blocks and books. With easy to read words, the books would be perfect for her age. (07.11.2012 10:23pm)
20) Crystal H.: I love picture books! Especially ones that are simple and helps to visually show children how to build! (07.11.2012 10:54pm)
21) Leticia: My son is just starting to get into Lego's and this seems like an awesome product!! On the plus side, anything that will help me learn how to construct things is even better. (07.12.2012 07:33am)
22) Katy: Oh how fun! Seeing as Robby is the same age as Gracie...we're still chewing. But it'd be fun soon! (07.12.2012 07:44am)
23) kirsten: My son loves books, he loves legos. He's too old for these books, but i can totally see how they'd be great for reading and learning! I love legos. so does he. He just got the coolest lighthouse set for his birthday! I'd - I mean he'd love the gift card (07.12.2012 07:53am)
24) Santina: My kids LOVE legos and like yours, are always asking me to make something they see in a book for them! This would be perfect for my 3 year old! (07.12.2012 08:12am)
25) Cathy C.: My little one enjoys being read to and is just starting to play with blocks. This looks like great training for future IKEA furniture assembly! ha! :) (07.12.2012 08:39am)
26) Elisabeth A.: My almost 3 year old is really getting into Legos and he points to words in books and asks what it says. This is a great combination of both. (07.12.2012 08:41am)
27) RachelC: I am DEFINITELY buying some of these sets for my nephews upcoming birthday! That kid loves his legos and I know he'll be more interested in a book that incorporates them. (07.12.2012 09:27am)
28) Sara H: This is so great! I am buying these for my nephews! They love to read and build, so combining the two seems like the perfect idea to visually help them learn. (07.12.2012 09:31am)
29) maria: love this idea that it can be a two-in-one kind of toy yet be educational too. very cool. thanks! (07.12.2012 09:38am)
30) Cali: My nephews love legos more than any of their other stuff--this is the perfect way to add some reading. Neat! (07.12.2012 09:39am)
31) Kelly H.: Well, mine are eight and already read, but this would have been great when they were younger! I can see how the words correlating with the picture would help a lot in sight reading. I have b/g twins and they are both Lego addicts. The will spend hours coming up with additions to their sets, building villages and cities in an afternooon (07.12.2012 09:50am)
32) Bekah: My son would LOVE these! We have a lego book and it is wonderful, but if it came with actual legos, that would be even better!! (07.12.2012 10:03am)
33) Adrienne: I'm trying to get my son "into" reading. He just doesn't like to sit still for any length of time. I think these books would help him pay attention and DO something while reading! Love it! (07.12.2012 10:12am)
34) Nikki: I'm pregnant right now with our first, and I love the idea of integrating books with Legos. They have been great toys for so long! I can't wait to "supervise" our kiddo while it plays with Legos, and you know, help out if it needs it : ) I'm using "it" right now since that's all we know so far, cant' wait to put a he/she in there! (07.12.2012 10:14am)
35) Kristina: My son is 3 and loves playing with his LEGO Duplos. I think this would help my son learn to read because it would talk about things he is interested in ...like building planes and cars! (07.12.2012 10:14am)
36) Leslie: My son is more likely to read books when he is familiar with the characters. So yes, this would be a great way to get him to read more! (07.12.2012 10:24am)
37) Amanda M.: Gunner and Layken both love books and legos... perfect! (07.12.2012 11:54am)
38) denny144: This is one of those genius ideas where I say "Why didn't we have this when my kids were little?" But now I can buy them for my 2 1/2 year old grandson. (07.12.2012 12:04pm)
39) Leah: This is such a great idea for tactile kids (and their tactile) parents. (07.12.2012 12:25pm)
40) Jaime Z.: My son, 5, might be a bit too old for this now, but I know he'd love to "help" his sister, Gracie's age, with it! What a great combination of fun. :) (07.12.2012 12:40pm)
41) Lissa: Oh this looks awesome! We just started our 5 yr old with real lego sets this year, and he didn't care too much to follow the directions to build it himself, but this looks great for our soon-to-be 3 yr old to learn early. I'm sure it'll help him easily learn words like car and farm (looking at the other sets). I just added them to his birthday wish list. (07.12.2012 12:51pm)
42) Kelly S: My daughter (7) has just recently started playing with legos and she LOVES them! I'd love expand her collection with a $100 gift card! (07.12.2012 01:01pm)
43) Kim: All 3 of my kids love Legos! These books are a great idea--anytime kids have an interest in something they are motivated to read to learn more about it! (07.12.2012 01:26pm)
44) Aimee: My friends son would love these books!!! (07.12.2012 01:29pm)
45) JIll W: I think they would be great to help my kids with their problem solving skills. Seeing something and figuring out how to do it. (07.12.2012 01:32pm)
46) Kathleen: My daughter is a hands-on kind of learner, and I'm amazed at what she picks up and retains through play. I think LEGO DUPLO "Read & Build" is a wonderful, fun idea. Plus, mommy loves to play with LEGOs, too. No shame! (07.12.2012 01:35pm)
47) Leah: My daughter would love this. One of her favorite things right now is blocks. At 16 months I've been considering incorporating legos into her toys. She loves books so I don't see how you could go wrong with a toy like this that relates the words to actually doing something! (07.12.2012 01:40pm)
48) Alex: LEGO DUPLO - Read & Build - will help my boy to coordinate between what he sees on a picture and what he does with his hands, I cannot wait for him to start playing with these new sets! (07.12.2012 03:03pm)
49) Mary: This is perfect for my 2 yr old! (07.12.2012 03:22pm)
50) Irina: My daughter is a year old but she lovesss books already and she plays with legos (but doesn't build with them yet) This is a great idea for the winter! (07.12.2012 03:22pm)
51) Courtney: Oh my gosh, these are wonderful! My son would really love having one (or many) of these to play with. Awesome giveaway, Katie; thanks! (07.12.2012 03:44pm)
52) Lori: This Nana would love having them at her house for my two amazing grandbabies! Well, 2 and 4 still qualify as babies...right? (07.12.2012 04:29pm)
53) Sheila: I think that any book my child wants me to read over and over again will help in her learning to read, and this book would definitely be one of those. (07.12.2012 04:39pm)
54) Jeanette: My girls love books and enjoy playing with legos, too! (07.12.2012 04:54pm)
55) Katie M: My daughter and son would love these. My daughter has just learned to read and loves to read to us all, and my son loves to build. A perfect combo, and the kids might actually play happily together! :) (07.12.2012 05:18pm)
56) Nate's Mom @ Nate is Great: Nate *LOVES* Legos and has just begun trying to make things that look like pictures - so we think this new Lego blocks/picture book idea is brilliant! (07.12.2012 07:46pm)
57) Jessica: Madison loves legos and her daddy is an engineer - it is a perfect match! Can't wait to try the books out. (07.12.2012 08:24pm)
58) Brianna: My son is not quite old enough for Legos yet, but I sure loved them growing up and I'm sure he will too. Love the book idea as well! (07.12.2012 09:41pm)
59) Kelly Massman: I believe that any time you had a kinetic activity with reading and learning that it is more meaningful and therefore more likely to be remembered! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day! kmassmanATgmailDOTcom (07.12.2012 10:22pm)
60) Melanie: My daughter loves reading but I'd like to get her more interested in blocks, etc. so this is great! (07.12.2012 10:38pm)
61) Kathy Z: I loved Legos growing up. My little guy is the same age as Gracie, but I haven't introduced him to Legos yet. He does love to read, though. (07.13.2012 12:04am)
62) Anna: my little boy would love these!!! He loves to read and he lover to build, so it's the perfect toy for him!! I love the combination of reading and completing a task based on what you have read!! (07.13.2012 01:26am)
63) Christina: My son is still very young (7 months) but he already really enjoys when I read to him so I know that he'd love the books. And, like many other comments noted above, my husband would probably enjoy these more than my son. He and I both LOVED Legos growing up and we hope our son will one day, too. (07.13.2012 09:40am)
64) Sommer: My nephew would love this! He can spend hours building with legos and adding the books to it is genious! (07.13.2012 10:20am)
65) Colleen M: My grandson will be 3 shortly and this would be a great present--he loves both books and Legos--great combo (07.13.2012 10:26am)
66) Suzie: Oh I would love these for my daughter - she's still in that chewing on everything stage too, but we'll get there! Legos were my favorite growing up and I can't wait for the day when we can play. Love the book too, how fun for little minds! (07.13.2012 11:54am)
67) Heather: Books and LEGOS are huge at our place...across all ages too! Read & Build will help because it's interactive. He'll love building the characters from the stories and seeing them take shape as he goes! (07.13.2012 07:27pm)
68) Barbara Manatee: I just saw a commercial for these and made a mental note to buy these for the next birthday party we have a for a lil one! These are fabulous! Engaging lil ones with books AND fine motor skills? Perfect!! (07.14.2012 10:53pm)
69) Amy Tong: Wow, what a great product! I think the LEGO DUPLO Read & Build will help my kids learn to read with all those fun colors block building and interaction. For sure this is a lot more fun than just reading the book. Amy [at] utry [dot] it (07.15.2012 03:56am)
70) Amy Tong: tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/224412106211065857 Amy [at] utry [dot] it (07.15.2012 03:57am)
71) april in tx: As a fellow mom and teacher, I can think of nothing more exciting than hands on learning and a story in one. It would be so fun to have these at the house. Side note, you can get a free lego magazine subscription. I got them for years in my pre-k classroom and now that I teach older kids, they love them too. (07.15.2012 04:11pm)
72) Jessie C.: DDs love LEGO, this combination is such a great motivation to them in reading while playing with LEGO. tcarolinep at gmail dot com (07.16.2012 01:14am)
73) Jessie C.: https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/224733728218431488 (07.16.2012 01:15am)
74) Joan: My great nephew (Gracie's age) would love this toy! He loves books and colorful objects he can hold in his hands. BTW, I am Arden's mom. (07.16.2012 01:14pm)
75) Kristi: I think these products will help my son to read through repetition. Thank you! (07.16.2012 01:48pm)
76) Kristi: https://twitter.com/pbumcpw/status/224923639970148354 (I hope I did this correctly!) :) (07.16.2012 01:50pm)
77) BeccaK: My son would love this idea - anything that combines two styles of learning (visual and hands-on) always works best for him! (07.16.2012 02:10pm)
78) Tiffany Winner: i think it would help because she loves interactive stories thismomwins@gmail.com (07.16.2012 09:29pm)
79) Cindy: My kids LOVE Legos, we definitely need this!! (07.16.2012 11:21pm)
80) Brooke: My son is in love with this idea from the first commercial he saw and is currently saving every penny he comes across to buy his own. I would love to try this I'd like to think building while reading would help with word recognition over time. (07.17.2012 06:58pm)
81) Brooke: https://twitter.com/brooke_78/status/225363944775237632 (07.17.2012 06:59pm)
82) Meredith C.: I think they would help my little ones with reading in a roundabout way that they don't realize they are learning while playing with a beloved toy (07.17.2012 09:07pm)
83) Jill: I think this would help my l.o. by engaging her longer in reading. right now she wants to fly through the books to get to the ones she loves, and I think this would make her stick to it longer and be more interactive, which would make it more fun for everyone! (07.18.2012 12:04pm)
84) Jill: https://twitter.com/teamshoemaker/status/225622610287931392 (07.18.2012 12:07pm)
85) Tina M: I think it would help them to think and read (07.18.2012 09:39pm)
86) .Tina M: https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/225766839521775616 (07.18.2012 09:40pm)
87) Livivua Chandler: Hands on play is what gets kids to learning and into wanting to learn more! (07.19.2012 10:04am)
88) Livivua Chandler: https://twitter.com/vivaciousgold/status/225954483035848704 - tweeted (07.19.2012 10:05am)
89) Brandy: This would encourage fine motor skills as well as early reading. (07.19.2012 10:22pm)
90) Erika: We are hoping to homeschool, and I think this would be a fun addition to our daily schedule! chamabanachik@gmail.com (07.20.2012 12:54am)
91) Julie: My 7-week-old daughter has written about this great product on her blog: http://www.ameliawelch.com/Amelia_Welch/Blog/Entries/2012/7/18_LEGOs_%2B_Books_%3D_Awesome!.html (07.20.2012 03:08pm)
92) Julie: This is a great idea and I'm surprised LEGO didn't come out with this sooner. We will definitely be getting these sets for our daughter, though it'll be a while until she's old enough for them. My husband and I are LEGO maniacs and believe that LEGOs are a great creative toy that lasts a child (or adult) for years. (07.20.2012 03:12pm)
93) sandra: it will add extra incentive and excitement to reading (07.23.2012 10:18am)
94) Heather Lovell: My son absolutely LOVES legos. I think the key to learning is engaging the child, capturing their attention, working with their imagination. I think the Lego Duplo Read and Build, would be fun for my son. And when your having fun, learning is easy. Incorporating something he loves, likes legos, and adding in books (which he loves), would be a great tool to helping my son polish up his reading skills. This would be wonderful! (07.26.2012 06:56am)
95) Heather Lovell: I tweeted. https://twitter.com/heatherlaverne1/status/228443948597772289 (07.26.2012 06:58am)
96) Amy @ A Little Nosh: This is great...it'll keep my son engaged. Reading and playing together is a great combination! alittlenosh AT gmail.com (07.27.2012 03:31pm)
97) sy: tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/229786933629419520 songyueyu at gmail (07.29.2012 11:54pm)
98) Rebecca Graham: The hands on activity with the Legos will encourage reading. (08.04.2012 03:47am)
99) ANGEL JACKLYN: KIDS ARE WILLING TO LEARN ANYTHING AS LONG AS THEY ARE HAVING FUN DOING IT & THIS SURE SOUNDS LIKE THE TRICK! (08.06.2012 10:53pm)
100) ANGEL JACKLYN: TWEET https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/232670347114184706 (08.06.2012 10:53pm)
101) Karina Lee: this makes it fun to learn to read (08.08.2012 06:00pm)
102) Karina Lee: https://twitter.com/karinaroselee/status/233321753819107328 (08.08.2012 06:00pm)
103) Gina M: tweet-https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/233952396596895744 (08.10.2012 11:46am)
104) Gina M: I think it will help my son with reading because he will be able to connect the pictures and what he can build with what the book is talking about. Thanks for the chance to win! gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com (08.10.2012 11:47am)
105) Danielle Meek: I think having a book he can interact with will definitely encourage my 3 year old to read! (08.11.2012 01:59pm)
106) Jeffrey: Both my boys love Legos. I saved my sets from when I was younger and they play with those also. Lego Duplo Read and Build is an excellent idea for kids that are interested and reading and definitely for those that aren't. My oldest has fun putting together Lego sets using the instructions and making things off the top of his head. Legos in general are a great learning tool. (08.11.2012 08:39pm)
107) Jeffrey: I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/234448764956446720 (08.11.2012 08:39pm)
108) maria cantu: The kids love legos so this will be very exciting to see them having fun and learning to read at the same time. (08.15.2012 07:10pm)
109) erica best: i have a 5 year old nephew who is going to school this year and this would help to learn to read because it hands on reading and he love to build stuff (08.15.2012 10:55pm)
110) Erica Best: https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/235931412451192832 (08.15.2012 10:55pm)
111) Tabathia B: I think since it's an interactive book with pictures demonstrating how to use the blocks and how to build that it would help with reading and learning tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com (08.16.2012 12:59pm)
112) Tabathia B: tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/236144347899387904 tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com (08.16.2012 01:00pm)
113) Julie: Thanks for the review. When I first saw these, I figured that we were way beyond this stage, as we are advanced Lego builders in our house, even though Lex is only 2. But, now I think I may have been wrong, and that Connor would enjoy reading the book, and that Lex would like to have someone read it to him. (08.17.2012 08:46am)
114) Betty C: I think this really encourages the independence that children are developing so they can show what they did by themselves. (08.17.2012 12:05pm)
115) Betty C: Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/236969507564953601 (08.18.2012 07:35pm)
116) anash: it helps them to learn that building on what they already know is the best way to learn! Thanks for a super giveaway! My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com (08.19.2012 05:44am)
117) anash: tweeted here: https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/237126435561676800 (08.19.2012 05:59am)
118) angie lilly: The general concept is play with your food mentality. LOL You are teaching thru playing. It doesn't get any better than that! I don't have children, but am betting that is the way it helps. (08.19.2012 11:50am)
119) angie lilly: I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/237214718241173504 (08.19.2012 11:51am)
120) LEGOs + Books = Awesome! | Amelia's World: [...] these today to help mom win a $100 LEGO store gift card so that she can start buying me some toys! This blogger has a contest going, sponsored by LEGO, where writing about these new LEGO storybook sets in a blog [...] (05.14.2013 12:52am)