Review: If Baby Could Talk

You know you're on to a good thing when the picture book you're reading elicits giggles and guffaws from the entire family.

This playful collection of rhymes is a treat for babies, siblings and parents, as it captures the thrills and spills of a new baby in the house.

Michael Wagner covers everything from first words and first steps to feet and necks with gentle wit and whimsy. 

All those hilarious memories we have of our children as babies are here. Remember the feeding of tidbits to the dog (in this book, it's a chili), ransacking the house for your keys only to discover them in the rubbish bin?

Each gorgeous poem is written from the cheeky point of view of the baby, revealing an inner world that gives thought to the all-important first word, the discovery of mac and cheese, and concerns that 'what the heck I've got no neck' (my daughter's personal favourite).

Jess Rackyleft's soft palette and quirky touches add further warmth and insight to each poem, while her diverse families reveal a deeper message that the joys of a new baby are universal. 

This is such a delightful way to help small children understand (and feel part of) the arrival of a baby in their world.

Title: If Baby Could Talk
Author: Michael Wagner
Illustrator: Jess Rackyleft
Publisher: Windy Hollow, $25.99
Publication Date: September 2017
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781922081698
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book