Review by School Library Journal Review
Toddler-K--With rhyming, lyrical text, this pretty picture book celebrates the arrival of new babies, in a house and in nests and other outdoor spaces. The story opens with parents bringing home a new baby and noticing the other new babies in the spaces around their house. The artwork showcases all the beautiful birds with their little ones, as well as other animals, such as deer, sheep, hedgehogs, and badgers. The story concludes with the fledglings and the human baby celebrating their first year together. This is a lovely representation of the changes during a year in a specific place. This would be a wonderful title to have on hand for new parents. It could work as a lesson on noticing the birth and growth that goes on all around. The human dad has tan skin and light hair; mom has brown skin and dark hair. VERDICT A sensitive celebration of new life, not essential in libraries but sweet.--Debbie Tanner
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Review by Horn Book Review
"Welcome, little one. / You've arrived in this world. / Here with us is where you belong." In a sincere, lyrical text composed of rhyming pairs of tercets, new human parents bring their baby home. While the soothing text will perhaps appeal more to adults -- "Slow down, little one. / You're shooting up so fast. / It's a wonder watching you grow" -- the pencil and watercolor illustrations will draw in little viewers. Double-page spreads focus on the outdoors, providing close-up views of a variety of birds caring for their hatchlings. The human family remains in the background of most scenes, a part of nature but not the focal point. Woodland animals (badgers, hedgehogs, deer) also make appearances with their own babies in tow. The soft lines and rich colors of Carlisle's art are a good match for the story's gentle cadence as bright-eyed, smiling parents of all species see their babies through the changing seasons. "Take flight, little one. / You were made for this world." The brief, soothing text and cozy art make this a good selection for bedtime or a calming toddler storytime. Pair with Hosford's You and I Are Stars and Night (rev. 1/26) for another parent-child foray into the natural world. amanda r. ToledoMarch/April 2026 p.46 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
