Welcome, Precious [Hardcover]

Nikki Grimes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006

Literary award winners Nikki Grimes and Bryan Collier celebrate life, love, and family with this gorgeous new picture book.

"Welcome, Precious. Welcome to the warm circle of your daddy's arms, the slippery kisses of your giddy grandmother, and the cool tickle of Mommy's nose rubbing against your belly button."

Lulling, poetic text and captivating illustrations welcome a new baby to the wonders of the world, from peanut butter to moonlight. A perfect gift for expecting parents, big brothers- and sisters-to-be, or anyone who wishes to remember life's first magical moments.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS–This picture book is a lyrical, exultant welcome for the newest member of an African-American family. Collier's watercolor-and-collage illustrations in vivid summery hues and enticing textures depict the happy parents as they introduce their baby to the sights and sounds of a world wrapped in rainbow. The paintings portray scenes of cozy domestic life, each clearly capturing the couple's delight in their little one. Grimes's verses describe the delightful sensations in store for the infant: the satin of rose petals and …the glistening mystery/of soap bubbles. There's a stately joyfulness throughout, and, indeed, this work seems most geared to adults, particularly grandparents, who will relish the heartfelt sentiments and gorgeous illustrations.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

The miracle of birth is lovingly and eloquently on display in this joyous picture book. An African American family has a new baby and wonders await: "Welcome to the silk of grass, / the satin of rose petals, / and the squish of sand between your toes. / Welcome to rain-swept earth and spiced cider on the wind." There are more down-to-earth pleasures as well: "the sticky joy of peanut butter," "the squeaky surprise of a yellow ducky." Most important, the newborn is loved by parents and family. Collier's watercolors (accented with collage) are sturdy; this baby's family seems very real. But in some pictures there's a shimmer of stardust or the glow of rainbows that captures how transcendent the arrival of a new baby really is. Adults will certainly read this aloud to help children understand the feelings surrounding their arrival, but perhaps parents themselves are the book's most natural audience; it articulates so much that they are feeling but not quite able to say. Pair with Robie Harris' Happy Birth Day (1996). Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Orchard Books; 1 edition (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 043955702X
• ISBN-13: 978-0439557023
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #656,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nikki Grimes conveyed the fire-in-the-belly fervor of a Harlem girl who knows she was born to write in Jazmin's Notebook, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. In My Man Blue, a Booklist Editor's Choice and Newsweek Children's Books of the Year selection, her artful words expressed a boy's journey from skepticism to trust. And now with Bronx Masquerade she presents a rich chorus of eighteen voices, singing openly about ideas, feelings, and questions--things that open minds, invite debate, provide release. A recent Booklist review proclaims: "As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for--real characters who show them they are not alone."An accomplished poet, novelist, journalist, and educator, Ms. Grimes was born and raised in New York City and now lives in the Los Angeles area.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful marriage of words and images., March 8, 2007

By 

T. J. (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Welcome, Precious (Hardcover)

The comtemporary images of a loving African American family pair powerfully with lyrical language in this welcoming ode to a new baby.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a new baby, April 11, 2007

By 

Melissa Sack (georgia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Welcome, Precious (Hardcover)

A young couple welcomes their baby to their home and into their hearts. They share with him to world around him and challenge him to explore. They share with the baby how much they love him. The couple also teaches him the importance of family.

My little girls love book with babies in them. This one was a hit

Yes. A great bedtime story, just the right length for short attention spans!

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet for newborns, January 9, 2010

By 

Heather - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Welcome, Precious (Hardcover)

I recently had a baby and happened to find a copy of this book at another store for $1.49. It was a clearance price, so I grabbed it. When I read it, I was extremely touched. It is a sweet book for parents with newborn children. It is now my current favorite book (tied with "Hello Baby" by Mem Fox) for baby shower gifts.