Review: Baby Animals Trying : a Celebration of First Moments

Baby Animals Trying : a Celebration of First Moments

Series: Animal Celebrations and Milestones

Author: Aimee Reid
Illustrator: Sebastien Braun

Sourcebooks eXplore

ISBN: 9781728275437 (hardcover)
9781728275444 (eBook)

$22.50 CAD (hardcover)
$10.99 CAD (eBook)

40 pages

Ages: 4 and up

Baby Animals Trying is an adorably illustrated picture book about baby animals trying new things. From the moment baby rabbits first open their eyes to little orangutans learning to move through the trees, their parents are with them every step of the way. Although the premise is great, the book’s formatting can leave readers slightly confused. Every milestone is depicted on a two-page spread. On the left page, readers are presented with a rhythmic story. On the right page is information about the baby animals’ milestones. There is little difference in font size and type that would help make the distinction between these two pages more apparent. A preface explaining the two ways the book can be read or even little “factoid bubbles” for the non-fiction text would be helpful. The back matter includes a more in-depth explanation on the animals’ milestones, making the non-fiction text slightly redundant. Due to its confusing nature, Baby Animals Trying would be better suited in a school setting rather than an at-home read.