Born Yesterday - Hardcover

Solheim, James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399251553 ISBN 13: 9780399251559

Publisher: Philomel Books, 2010

Synopsis

July 8

Imagine! A day ago I?d never even heard of the world, and suddenly here I am in it. There?s so much to write about?macaroni, Fun World, and a big sister who has it all figured out. Which is why boys adore her. I need to get her attention back on me? and quick. But how? Should I take up sumo wrestling? Stunt flying? All I know how to do is write.

But don?t tell anyone. This diary you?re looking at is TOP SECRET? just for you and me!

Renowned illustrator Simon James brings sweetness and charm to James Solheim?s hilarious diary of a baby?and the result is a one-of-a-kind picture book no one will be expecting!

About this title

About the Author

Simon J. James is lecturer in Victorian literature at the University of Durham.

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 2—"If I'd known I was going to be born in public, I'd at least have put on a tank top," begins this infant's diary. A funny twist on the typical new sibling story, this book is written from the baby's point of view as he tries to grow up and be like his big sister. He offers his ideas about the world around him in short monthly entries, until, at the end, he and his sister become best friends as he turns one year old—just what he always wanted! The watercolor and ink illustrations (done on faintly lined pages as in a notebook) faithfully follow the humorous text, depicted in three or four vignettes on each spread. The book is a fresh and amusing slant on sibling adjustment and should capture the imagination of any big brother or sister.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
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The conceit is this: a baby is born and immediately begins keeping a journal. She meets her big sister, tries to puzzle out a mobile, wonders why she can’t go to school, and learns she can grab things. (Note to self: grab “cats, ears, elephants, ankles, and Vermont.”) This diary has some very funny asides, but the problem is that some may be over the heads of the intended age group. For instance, “Some things are noses, some are taxicabs, and some are Belgians.” Cute, if you know what a Belgian is. The Quentin Blake–style watercolors don’t always mine the fun as much as they could, but the spacious design, with its tall white pages and scattering of vignettes, is pleasing to the eye. Try this with kids slightly older than the usual preschool crowd, and you’ll get some giggles. Grades K-1. --Ilene Cooper

Edition details

• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0399251553
• ISBN 13: 9780399251559
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: James Simon
• Number of pages: 32