BECAUSE YOU ARE MY BABY
by Sherry North & illustrated by Marcellus Hall
A young mother expresses her love and commitment to her inquisitive baby through a limitless variety of possible vocations. From sailor to mountain climber, castle builder to geologist, pizza chef and astronaut, mom’s universe will always include her child’s participation. “If I were a diver, we would tour the ocean floor—Shipwrecks, crab holes, coral reefs, and much more to explore.” Watercolors reminiscent of Ross MacDonald’s style set in darker and lighter russet shades add a softened tone to the rhymed text. Despite the depiction of a young genderless baby with endless wide-eyed wonder, author and illustrator present one powerful-thinking mom providing a world of intriguing choices for both little girls and boys who would, nevertheless, not wish to be called a baby. Yet as nighttime falls and all is said and done, mom’s magic of love allows for every child’s wishful sleepy dreams. An energetic and inspiring testament to motherhood. (Picture book. 3-5)