Newborn (Picture Books) [Hardcover]

Kathy Henderson (Author), Caroline Binch (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Series: Picture Books

Here, little baby, look up high
This is a window,
and out there's the sky...

The circle of life expands as a newborn brings a sense of joyful awe to the home and heart of its family. Ordinary things, such as the feel of long hair against tender skin or the rattle and hum of a windy day, take on a new light as everyone in the baby's newborn world is touched by a heightened pulse of life. Through the eyes of a loving mother, young readers are taken through a view of the world now forever changed. Acclaimed illustrator Caroline Binch's exquisite, luminous illustrations capture the excitement and delicate nuances of these once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In gentle lilting verse, Henderson (A Year in the City) imagines the sensory overload a newborn must experience upon joining its new family and new world. Parents, siblings and visiting relatives cuddle and snuggle with the new arrival, introducing the baby to its home. Sister tells the baby about shadows on the wall and the touch of a warm blanket; Mom and Dad sweetly explain such household sounds as "the tumble of voices, the startle-stop call of the telephone" and even the "a-a-a-WHOO-SHOO!" of Dad's sneeze. In watercolor and pencil scenes, Binch (Amazing Grace) presents an expressive, loving family and a comfortable, flower-filled home. Unfortunately, her somewhat harsh palette and busy patterns can seem at odds with the tender subject matter. On balance, however, this book offers a novel and pleasing way to help children greet a new sibling. Ages 4-8. (May)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4An evocative greeting to a new baby: Welcome, little baby,/newborn and just waking./Lie close in my arms/and Ill show you the world. The poetic text describes how the family introduces its newest member to everyday sights and soundsa sneeze, a ringing telephone, the wind, a glowing light bulb. In the watercolor-and-pencil artwork, Binch places the objects mentioned in the text in scenes that feature adoring parents and siblings interacting with the baby. The characters live in a real-world home where newspapers litter the floor, books are stacked on chair-side tables, and a half-filled glass of juice adorns the television stand. Although the text speaks in a single voice, the paintings show each family member holding the child while time stands still for important moments such as the unwrapping of gifts and the older brothers first supervised holding of the baby. A natural selection for any library.Sue Sherif, Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library, AK
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial; 1st edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803724349
• ISBN-13: 978-0803724341
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,515,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, April 26, 2000

By 

Lisa "Goesturbo" (Arizona USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Newborn (Picture Books) (Hardcover)

My Mother purchased this for me after the birth of my son. I love to read it to him. It's very lyrical with wonderful pictures. A good reminder for me, too. Brings back the memories of when he was first born. Would be a great book to read to a child who is getting ready for a new sibling. Shows the world through the babies eyes.