Children's Book Review: The Barefooted, Bad-Tempered Baby Brigade by Deborah Diesen

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781582462745
• ISBN-13: 978-1582462745

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Summary:

Join a crowd of cranky babies as they take to the streets!
 
The babies turned east at the corner of Main saying, “goo-goo” and “ga-ga” and “Out of our way!”
 
These babies have had it!
 
No more mashed peas!
 
No more bibs!
 
No more frilly clothes!
 
Their demands are loud and clear—but are their moms and dads ready to listen?

My Review:

After reading this book first, before trying it out with Savannah, I realized that it was a fun and quirky book for children, but that parents would understand and appreciate it more.  The book is set up to rhyme, but at times I found it hard to keep the rhythm going, as it fell flat.  But, after a few times of reading it through, I was able to find a flow and read it the way it was intended.  

This children's book is different from many of the books I read to my daughter, as the illustrations were more like cartoons.  Savannah didn't seem excited about the photos, as they were not bold and bright.  I think if there were more colors in each illustrations, that they would stand out more and keep the children involved in the story.  

But, overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book of baby's revolting and demanding no more baths, raspberries on their tummies, stroller rides and naps.  And, the best part for a parent was the last page, when they read that babies will not stay babies forever.  So, for new parents or parents dealing with the terrible two's, this is a refreshing thought that in time their babies will grow up and not be so bad-tempered any more.

About the Author:

I'm a children's book author who lives in Michigan. My rhyming picture book The Pout-Pout Fish, illustrated by Dan Hanna and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, is available now. I also have a forthcoming picture book with Tricycle Press called The Barefooted, Bad-Tempered Baby Brigade.

For more information about my books, including free activity sheets, stop by my web site at www.deborahdiesen.com.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.