"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket."
~Chinese Proverb
Title: There's Going to Be a Baby
Author: John Burningham
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 3-7
I loved this book. It shows sensitivity, wit, humour and the illustrations are magnificent. This is the first ever collaboration between two greats from the world of children's literature. The text by John Burningham walks us through six months or so of a loving mother telling her son that a new sibling is on the way. During this gestation period they talk of when the baby will arrive, what the baby might be when he/she grows up and these discussions strengthen the already existing bond between them. The mother's words are captured in pale blue while the little boy's words are in dark blue. The mother's ideas prompt her little boy to imagine what the future might be like. Their ponderings are captured by comical comic-book-like illustrations. Many precious discussions occur between the two, and when the baby finally does arrive the little boy boards a bus with his grandfather to go to the hospital to meet his new sibling. His final words to his Grandpa as he is walking towards his mother's hospital room are, "Grandad, the baby will be our baby." "We're going to love the baby, aren't we?" This book is highly recommended and represents children's literature at its best.
Check out these related themes for:
Toddler: We Have A Baby by Cathryn Falwell, Our New Baby by Rebecca Finn
Preschoolers: Will there by a Lap for Me? by Dorothy Corey, When the New Baby Comes I'm Moving Out by Martha Alexander, Happy Birth Day by Robie H. Harris, Hello Baby by Mem Fox and Steve Jenkins
Preschool: School Age: A Place for Ben by Jeanne Titherington, Pinky and Rex and the New Baby Baby by James Howe
Related Videos: Authur's Baby Sesame Street: A New Baby in My Home
About the Author:
Born: April 27, 1936 (age 77), Farnham, United Kingdom
Awards: Kate Greenaway Medal
About the Illustrator:
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