FICTION

Stay My Baby

by Lana Button
Orca. Sept. 2023. 20p. Board $10.95. ISBN 9781459836150.
COPY ISBN
Toddler-PreS–For some parents, the speed of childhood is sad or frustrating or confusing. This might be a book for those parents hoping to preserve babyhood. In simple sentences, Button writes the things parents might think while looking at their baby. Over the board book’s few pages, a sentence is placed on one page, with the opposing page showing a full-color photo of a baby. While there is a conversation to have about slowing down the speed of childhood, in light of the pressures children may face to grow up too fast, this title is essentially an adult board book. It serves to sentimentalize babyhood for the benefit of adults. Inclusive photographs of babies and families give this book a beautiful multiverse of babyhood, but the overall theme seems to contradict the inclusive visuals.
VERDICT Being a baby is part of childhood, but this book laments more than celebrates a child’s growth.
Reviewed by Jessica Schriver , Aug 01, 2023

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Basil & Dahlia: A Tragical Tale of Sinister Sweetness
by McCullogh, Joy
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?