My Book of Firsts: Poems Celebrating a Baby’s Milestones

Baby-Toddler–A cheery, albeit slight, collection with broad appeal for new caretakers. Upbeat poems celebrate a baby’s common milestones—including getting a tooth, making a friend, and starting to walk—during the first year of life. Written from the infant’s perspective, these straightforward, easy-to-read poems radiate joy. Brogna’s soft, cozy illustrations of friendly animals add to the atmosphere of gentle positivity. However, with only 11 poems, the book is short; the somewhat loose rhymes are simple enough that additional rereadings do not reveal increasing complexity. The perspective of the book trends narrowly Western, which is reinforced by the illustrations depicting suburban life. While (most) of these milestones are universal, not all readers will find the way they are presented relatable. Still, the book evokes a warm feeling, celebrating the way a baby grows.