by Sophie Blackall
Nancy Paulsen (May 1, 2014)
Interest Level: K-3
Interest Level: K-3
Description from the Publisher:
Cleverly revealing the basics of reproduction in an age-appropriate way, award-winning Sophie Blackall has created a beautiful picture book full of playful details to amuse and engage readers.
Sooner or later, every child will ask, Where do babies come from? Answering this question has never been this easy or entertaining! Join a curious little boy who asks everyone from his babysitter to the mailman, getting all sorts of funny answers along the way, before his parents gently set him straight.
My thoughts on the book:
Where do babies come from? A common question from young children especially when parents announce that there will be a new baby on the way. So, how do you answer it. In Sophie Blackall's new book The Baby Tree, the narrator asks several adults in his life. The responses are at times based in partial truth, and nearly always funny.
From his babysitter, the main character learns that "You plant a seed and it grows into a Baby Tree." Hospitals, storks, and even from eggs are some of the responses. And this curious little boy finds himself to be "very confused".
Finally, his parents provide the information that he needs in a clear, age-appropriate manner.
Blackall's illustrations bring the story to life and add to the humor of the book. She also includes some additional questions and answers at the end of the book to help parents with more specific questions that children may have. A nice addition to a library collection on explaining babies/pregnancy/sex to young children.
Other Reviews: Kirkus | Publisher's Weekly | Hornbook
Watch the Official Trailer:
SOPHIE BLACKALL is the illustrator of several award-winning books, including Ruby’s Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges, Meet Wild Boars by Meg Rosoff, Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson, and the Ivy and Bean books by Annie Barrows. Her artwork has also appeared in various magazines and exhibitions. Previously she lived in Sydney, Australia, and has had jobs in a shoe shop and a robot factory.
Where to find Sophie Blackall: blog | facebook | twitter
Other articles of interest: Seven Impossible Things | The Horn Book - Five Questions for Sophie Blackall
Have fun with Penguin Young Readers book bundle Giveaway!
One (1) winner receives The Baby Tree, Maple by Lori Nichols and Corduroy by Don Freeman
Prizing & samples courtesy of Penguin Books USA
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