Baby’s Lullaby makes the perfect, soothing companion to baby’s bedtime ritual.
This new board book by singer-songwriter Jill Barber springs from her song, Lay Down, included in a CD collection for Read to Me!, a non-profit early literacy program in Nova Scotia.
The folksy wording (“rest your sleepy eyes; and let your heart be light”) is sure to lull your little one—and probably you, as well—as you cuddle together in bed or sway in a cozy rocking chair.
Barber, who lived in Halifax for several years before relocating to the west coast, hits a home run with her first children’s book. It doesn’t hurt that I can hear the popular chanteuse’s sultry voice as I write this review, thanks to a free download of the original song available to people who purchase (or receive as a gift) this sturdy board book.
The Juno nominee and multiple East Coast Music Award-winner croons “the moon is slowly rising; moving with the tide,” in a sweet and gentle fashion, a rhythm ably captured in the transition to the page.
The simple yet vibrant illustrations by HildaRose are a treat. While Baby’s Lullaby begins and ends with a human mother-baby pair, each page contains a charming surprise—parents and babies in the form of birds, fish (my personal favourite), raccoons and more.
The Prospect Bay artist—who previously illustrated Nimbus Publishing’s Kisses, Kisses Baby-O!—enchantingly employs a spare selection of bold colours, sure to please baby’s eye.
While my kids would argue they’re too old now for lullabies, this book left me longing for those delectable days. I’ll surely be giving Baby’s Lullaby to the newer parents on my Christmas gift list. —Skana Gee
