Baby Day by Jane Goodwin and Davina Bell. Illus. by Freya Blackwood

This inviting board book of the tumultuous events occurring at baby’s first birthday party begs to be shared widely. Sturdy construction and more pages than is usually offered in a board book, kids will gather round to have it read aloud, enjoying the fun of a group of kids celebrating a birthday, laughing at the antics of all the other babies, seeking out the family dog as it appears.

Peering out from his cot, baby is taken to the picnic spot where other parents and babies have gathered. Umbrellas and chairs are put out, picnic baskets unpacked, hats put on, pushers parked. The fun begins as the children interact, one wanting to push the other in a cart, one wanting to tell the others what to do, some using the play equipment, several sitting at the table to try the food. Readers will laugh along with the characters on the pages as the children are shown playing together, eating and taking in all the new experiences.

Some are bossy, some lazy, some busy, but each is doing something in the park. Each of Blackwood’s inviting illustrations shows children interacting, doing something together, engaging in a new experience. Sometimes parents are shown in the background, watchful and shepherding. Two mums give out ice creams on one double page, one lost to the dog when the page is turned.

As the day wears on, the children become fractious, and the tone of the text begins to change as some children are sad or loud, but then it is time for cake and everyone crowds around the birthday cake with one candle, ready to sing happy birthday. A photo of the group is to be taken, and again Blackwood’s wonderfull illustration belies the ability of the children to sit together as one. Now it is definitely time to go home as the children become tired and angry, wriggly and cranky. All say goodbye as our family heads for home, baby has a bath and a story and put to bed.

A lovely afternoon birthday party for baby.

This delightful page turner will intrigue younger readers who will recognise many things in the story. The warmth of the occasion resonates through the tale as the children play together, watched over by the parents. Some intervention is required but in the main the children are left to explore, interact and play together.

Children will take notice of the food and play equipment, while older readers and adults will look more closely at the words used to describe the children as they play. The illustrations and text meld to make a wonderful read aloud for all young children, perfectly encapsulating the fun and mayhem experienced at such events.  First published in 2019 as a picture book, this is a welcome reissue.

Themes: Picnic, Birthdays, Play, Interaction.

Fran Knight