Rating: ***** 5 stars

Na'ima Bint Robert, illustrated by Derek Brazell,
Chinese translation by Sylvia Denham.
Welcome to the World Baby.
Mantra, 2005.

This new dual language title has a class of children learning about different cultural systems 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.)

Urmi Chana
October 2005, No. 154