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Welcome to the World Baby!

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BfK No. 154 - September 2005

Cover Story
This issue’s cover illustration is from the 20th Anniversary Edition of Lynley Dodd’s Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy. Lynley Dodd is interviewed by Joanna Carey. Thanks to Puffin for their help with this September cover.

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Welcome to the World Baby!

Na'ima Bint Robert
 Derek Brazell
(Mantra Lingua)
32pp, DUAL LANGUAGE, 978-1844442713, RRP £8.50, Paperback, Chinese/English
5-8 Infant/Junior
Buy "Welcome to the World Baby in Chinese & English" on Amazon

This new dual language title has a class of children learning about different cultural customs related to the birth of a new child. At their teacher's request, they bring in things that show how their families welcome a new baby into the world, and as they are learning about the five senses, these items are explored and discussed in relation to this topic. An-Mei brings an egg painted red for good luck, Saida brings a lock of her baby brother's hair from when his head was first shaved for the children to feel and describe; Dimitri brings gold and silver coins which make a jingly-jangly sound when shaken. It's an interesting enough text (both Chinese and English are clearly set out in pleasing typefaces), with illustrations that match the storyline well; but I have to admit to finding the colours rather unappealing at first glance. A pity because they are lively and expressive and I came to tolerate some of the pink ice-cream-like backgrounds after a while, but I wonder if they might put off some people from picking up the book at all. The book could provide a useful starting point for discussion about children's own family memories about babies and exchange of different cultural customs related to the birth of a newborn. (Available in 28 dual language editions.)

Reviewer: 
Urmi Chana
3
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