This New Baby. Teddy Jam. Illustrated by Virginia Johnson. Toronto, ON: Groundwood/House of Anansi Press, 2011. 22 pp., board, $8.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-088-8. Preschool / Birth-age 3. Review by Trevor Lockhart. *** /4

excerpt:

This new baby sleeps in my arms like a moon sleeping on a cloud, like apples falling through the rain, like a fish swimming through the sky...

The simple experience of holding a newborn baby in your arms is described beautifully by Teddy Jam [pseudonym of the late Matt Cohen] in this poetic picture book. Teddy Jam has written an unusual set of verses that somehow effectively work as a lullaby. Many of the early experiences of a newborn are covered, from sleeping in someone's arms, to waking up with a cry that's strong enough to chase away old ghosts, to a morning stroll and the simple joy of searching for toes.

     This New Baby would be a welcome addition to any newborn's collection of "sleepy time" books. My two-year-old daughter also enjoys listening to the story and pointing out the pictures of the baby throughout.

      Originally published in 1998, this re-release is paired with soft watercolour paintings by textile artist Virginia Johnson. Johnson's artwork seems to be influenced by Henri Matisse and complements the text beautifully.

Recommended.

Trevor Lockhart is a public librarian in Winnipeg. MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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