Self-Help for Babies Whine Guide

Self-Help for Babies Whine Guide written and illustrated by Beck and Matt Stanton (Harper Collins Publishers Australia & New Zealand) Hardback RRP $14.99 ISBN 978 0 733341151

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

This talented best-selling husband and wife team have created two books that are especially designed to help parents. The tongue in cheek humour is sure to appeal and the pun with the title Babies Whine Guide is clever. Beck and Matt Stanton have recognised that although there are many books on the market and lots of them are self-help, there are none for babies. Ta-dah, now there is. Both are creatives in their own right but they have worked together to fulfil their own needs as parents.

Who else is better to fill this hole then those that are in the midst of baby chaos? As parents of three children under seven, the joy and madness of living with babies is expressed with advice and humour. The illustrations and text work together seamlessly. The use of adult words with the soft pastel backgrounds and childlike illustrations immediately bring a smile. Parental advice is given for each type of baby whine.

For example: The Bubbly                                                                                                   An open-mouthed, gassy whine, requiring attention. Best Served with bicycle legs and a tummy massage.

As you may have guessed, Babies Whine Guide is about the different ways babies cry. The text and illustrations match the type of whine with parental tips. The illustrations depict the type of cry then the parenting solution. I like how the book ends with the fact that babies do create their own whines too and that sometimes you just have to find your own solution too.  As we all know babies continually throw things at us that only we can find a way to deal with.

This book is an ideal gift for a baby shower or for any parent or carer voyaging into the world of babies. It is sure to bring a smile and a glass of wine at times is a perfect match.

 

 

 

Self-Help for Babies Sleep 101

Self-Help for Babies Sleep 101 written and illustrated by Beck and Matt Stanton (Harper Collins Publishers Australia & New Zealand) Hardback RRP $14.99 ISBN 978 0 733341151

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

The award-winning combination of husband and wife team, Beck and Matt Stanton from Sydney, have created two self-help books for parents of babies. Beck has a teaching background and is an acclaimed co-creator of picture books. Matt is a bestselling children’s author and illustrator who has sold over one million books. He also produces a daily YouTube show for kids. Beck and Matt are parents to three small humans under seven. They know that parenting babies is a whirlwind of both cuddles and chaos.

Self-Help for Babies Sleep 101 is the first book in this series. The book has all the appeal of a board book but the text is for adult parents. The humour is spot on and targeted at parents of babies. We all know that sleep becomes the number one priority for both new babies and parents. A tired baby is no fun and the book’s simple and clear message is that a baby’s own bed is the best place for the baby to sleep. Unless of course…

This clever board book with both pictures and words repeats that whenever possible get the baby to sleep in their own cot. The background easily changes from light blue, white or green to set the tone of the book. The simple black line drawings of the baby are both cute and filled with subtle messages. Matt perfectly depicts the emotions of a baby and parent with a few simple lines. I particularly like how each spread shows the positive and the negative on each side. For example: You sleep here. Not here.

As a desperate parent myself, I too have driven around in the car with a crying baby or tip toed around a baby that has fallen asleep on the floor. Often sleep is just a dream for sleep-deprived parents and babies. And this book picks up on what both parents and babies will do for sleep. It will make you laugh but also you may cry with relief to know that at times all babies will test their parents.

This hilarious book is a practical, yet fun gift for new parents anywhere. It is an ideal gift for a baby shower, gender reveal or for the arrival of a new precious baby. The second book in the series Self-Help for Babies Whine Guide is worth taking a peek at too. The simplicity of the advice makes this book a winner.