Hello, Baby! by Mem Fox and Steve Jenkins

Image retrieved from www.amazon.com 

1. Bibliography

Fox, Mem, and Steve Jenkins. Hello, Baby! New York: Beach Lane Books, 2009. ISBN 9781416985136

2. Plot Summary

This clever children’s book begins with the simple question to a baby of “Who are you?” That question is followed by more questions and speculations that the baby could be one of many different animals, including some animals that any child would be tickled by, like a monkey, a gecko, and a warthog. Each animal is made unique by a simple, rhyming description. However, in the end, when the baby has answered “no” to every question, one final question is asked: “Are you my treasure? The answer is Yes!”

3. Critical Analysis

In this beautiful children’s book, Mem Fox appeals to young children with the use of repetition, rhythm, and rhyme. Fox’s repetition allows Children to anticipate which new animal will be coming on the following page. With each new animal they’ll be prepared to answer the question as to who they are with a resounding “no!” Once they get to the end, they’ll feel loved by knowing that they stand out among all creatures as a treasure. Fox’s use of rhythm and rhyme along with the repetition from page to page gives the story a gentle flow - one that would appeal to a child. Cultural markers in this book include animals from all over the world. From the “lion with dust on its paws” to the “elephant wielding a tusk,” and the “warthog hilarious and hairy,” each animal represents various parts of the world.

The vibrant illustrations of Steve Jenkins in this book also highlight the culturally diverse animals in question. He uses paperwork art to piece together pictures of these animals that are both life-like and lovably appealing to children. The animal artwork and words on each page are placed on a white background, so when children look at each page they will be mesmerized by each new animal that is seemingly jumping off the page. On the final page, Jenkins perfectly portrays the baby as a treasure with the simple illustration of an adult’s hand reaching out for the baby’s hand. Mem Fox and Steve Jenkins have created a sweet book that will create memories for parents and children for years.

4. Review Excerpts

~BOOKLIST (May 15, 2009): "As in her best-selling title Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (2008), a Booklist Editors’ Choice selection, Fox creates an affectionate, singsong picture book directed straight at small children."

~KIRKUS (April 1, 2009): "This picture book brims with fascinating animals,brilliant words and engaging artwork; it begs for cozy nightly readings. "

5. Connections

Gather other books written by Mem Fox such as:

• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. ISBN 9780547366203
• Koala Lou. ISBN 9780152000769
• Time for Bed. ISBN 9780152010669

Gather other books illustrated by Steve Jenkins such as:

• What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? ISBN 061899713X

• Biggest, Strongest, Fastest. ISBN 9780395861363
• Eye to Eye: How Animals See The World. ISBN 0547959079

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Q9V2Cvb98 to watch a video of Mem Fox reading Hello, Baby!

Have children create a new page to include in the book. They can draw an animal that was not included and write their own line or question for a baby about the animal.