This is a hilarious picture book written in the diary style popular today in children's books. In Born Yesterday, a brand new baby--in an adult voice--documents all the things he has been doing in his daily life. He notes his worries about how he is doing as a baby and his observations of other family members. It's a funny book, but I think it's one of those that are more appropriate for older audiences that would "get" the humor. In my opinion, it's a picture book geared more to grown-ups. This funny book is told from the perspective of a brand new baby who just happens to be a journalist. He frets about being born naked, is amazed by everything his older sister can do, and tries to reach his mobile. He looks forward to being talented enough to go to Kindergarten like his sister, enjoys his first lick of popsicle, throws food, bites his foot. He spends his days like most babies, but he documents it all. That’s why he is worried when his sister reads his diary and alarmed when she laughs at it. Perhaps he needs to find a different family to live with?The tone of this book is what sets it apart from many other baby books. The diary format is cleverly done and combined with the baby’s voice, it is pure fun to read. His voice is clever, rather adult, and often concerned with the impression he is making as a baby. The juxtaposition of this tone with a baby’s life and activities works very well and adds to the humor of the book.James’ art is right at home here as he does full page images along with smaller pictures in the midst of the text. His art has a friendliness and gentle humor of its own and matches the text well. The baby is nearly irresistible as he tries new things, even as he throws food or howls about biting his own foot.A clever perspective on babies that many different readers will enjoy. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
What do You think about Born Yesterday (2010)?
Fantastic! Hilarious story; excellent mentor text for personal narrative.
—jackie
very adorable - and not a princess or pink tutu in sight!
—chryxtyna
