Mycca's Baby

When her Aunt Rose has a baby, Mycca wants to be a part of things and have the baby be partly hers.

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Mycca is terribly excited that her Aunt Rose will have a baby very soon. She wishes so much that her own family could have such a gift in their house. But, as Papa explains, they simply can not afford to have another child. She already has her brother, Ikie, and "besides, you'll get to share Rose's baby." Mycca worries that she will not be allowed to help when the time comes, but her concerns are turned to joy and relief when, finally, Rose hands her the warm, smiling Serenity. The universal theme of excitement, concern, and joy at the birth of a new family member is maintained throughout the text. While it is told from the viewpoint of one of the youngest, readers and listeners will feel the excitement of the adults as well. The lack of material goods of the family in no way diminishes their reverence for this newly arrived gift. Instead, love pushes VCRs, Camcorders, and certainly a badly needed car to the low end of the priority list as they all gaze at and feel the new baby's sweetness. Primitive illustrations accompany and amplify the text. The lengthy blocks of text are manageable for older readers, while young audiences will be attracted to the storyline and the effusive illustrations. A satisfying addition to picture book collections. --Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, OH
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Mycca's entire family is awaiting the arrival of her Aunt Rose's baby. Grandma has prepared a room for the infant to sleep in while Rose is working. She has even washed and ironed Rose's old baby clothes for the child. Mycca is very excited about having a new cousin, but more than anything she wants a baby who will really belong to her. She tries to convince her parents that they, too, need a new baby, but Mama and Papa say they have enough children. Papa tells Mycca that she can share Rose's baby, which does not appease her. Finally, Rose gives birth to a baby girl, Serenity. When she arrives home from the hospital, the grownups crowd around the newborn, and Mycca feels left out. Then Rose places Serenity in Mycca's arms, and immediately the girl knows that this baby may belong to Rose and her husband, but it is hers as well. Byers's lyrical text conveys the love and willingness to share in this appealing extended family. Tamura's folk-art paintings are striking, and add to the book's graceful, Old World quality. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.