Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cute, reassuring letter to baby gives tips for life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
DEAR BABY welcomes an infant to "this big beautiful world" and then proceeds to give advice on each spread on how to live, with tips like "be curious" and don't take yourself "too seriously." There are also messages of reassurance, with parents telling the babies, toddlers, and little kids pictured that they are loved and that "even when we are apart, I will always, always, always love you."
Is It Any Good?
This cute, comforting book is full of positive messages of love and advice for the future. Little ones may take literally messages like "Never be afraid to break down walls and build bridges" as they look at a spread of a baby and toddlers playing with colorful blocks. So it will be up to parents to explain the metaphorical meaning of concepts like "Remember your roots, and spread your branches far and wide" and "Put yourself in someone else's shoes."
Kids will enjoy the cute art and loving reassurance, and adults will enjoy Dear Baby as a comforting bedtime read and a handy gift for baby showers and new-parent visits.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the advice in Dear Baby. What does it mean to "put yourself in someone else's shoes," "remember your roots," or "make your mark"?
Do you remember what it was like to be a baby? What lessons have you learned since then?
Which pictures in the book do you like best? Which one is the funniest? Are there any scenes that remind you of your family?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Holly Hatam
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper
- Publication date : September 22, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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