Monday 17 February 2020

I’m Ready for the New Baby and I’m Ready for Easter

I’m Ready for the New Baby and I’m Ready for Easter illustrated by Jedda Robaard (Puffin) HB RRP $12.99 each ISBN: 9781760891626 (New Baby) and 9781760891596 (Easter)

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

The I’m Ready series neatly fills the gap between basic concept books and narrative picture books. Aimed at three- to four-year-olds, each twelve-page board book gently introduces a milestone or event that is commonly encountered by young children, such as the arrival of a sibling or the preparations for Easter.

Written in the first person, the text invites the listening child into the moment and touches on worries that they may be having (‘Am I ready to be a big sister?’). Through positive actions, the young protagonist of each book discovers the joy within each situation (‘We read stories together and talk to the bump.’). By the end, they (and the child listener) are reassured that new experiences are exciting, and that they can cope with changes (‘I guess I am ready to be a big sister after all!’).

Australian illustrator Jedda Robaard has taken inspiration from the flora and fauna around her to produce her whimsical and endearing images. Slightly muted colours appeal to small eyes, while the curves used to create the animal characters ensure that they exude comfort and kindness.

A gorgeous new series, the I’m Ready books will take pride of place on pre-schoolers’ bookshelves. When life becomes a little overwhelming, kids will eagerly return to these books for solace and support.

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