Reading To Baby

This is one of those divine books that makes you want to read it again the moment you’ve finished it.

It’s a story that celebrates many things. At its heart, it illuminates the wonder of reading through repetition and layering of words, along with magical worlds and light-filled pictures.

We follow Dora from her birth right up until she has learned to read for herself.

When Dora was born, her brothers were very excited.

‘I’m going to cuddle her,’ said Alex.

‘I’m going to rock her to sleep,’ said Liam.

‘I’m going to make her laugh,’ said Bruno.

‘I’m going to read to her,’ said Peter.

Lucky little Dora has four big brothers ready to love her, play with her, teach her all their tricks and read to her. Of all these things, it’s story-time that provides the real magic.

Award winners Margaret Wild and Hannah Somerville have created an inclusive book (with a multitude of skin colours and hairdos!) that shows the diversity and complexity of family life, growing up, learning, sharing and connection. It’s such a delight!

There’s something really special about the way these words and pictures dance together on the page. The clever patterning and occasional surprise within the text are all reassuring to the reader.

And with detailed vignettes dotted between light-filled double spreads, the illustrations are evocative in all the best ways.

As Peter holds a storybook with one hand and keeps a brotherly arm firmly around Dora with the other, she is completely immersed in his story of little puddle ducks, and strains to go and play with them. These are such clever, poignant illustrations of entering the wonderful world of word-pictures.

Children will want to read the stories that the book children are reading, and travel to where they’re travelling and do what they are doing. Readers old and young will be transported into the many worlds of this story. 

The endpapers must also be mentioned. In the front of the book are tiny seedlings, which have grown to a full-blown jungle at the end. They are beautiful and reward wandering about in before and after reading the book.

A treat for all the senses and just perfect for bed-time or any time.
Highly recommended.

Title: Reading To Baby
Author: Margaret Wild
Illustrator: Hannah Somerville
Publisher: Affirm, $24.99
Publication Date: 28 May 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922930378
For Ages: 2+
Type: Picture Book