📖 Overview
King Baby follows a newborn who sees himself as an absolute monarch, bestowing his presence and attention upon his grateful subjects (his family). The infant narrates his grand entrance into the world and his reign over his new domain with complete conviction in his own magnificence.
The story tracks King Baby's daily routines and interactions as he commands his devoted followers to meet his needs and shower him with admiration. His parents and relatives respond to his every demand, from feedings to diaper changes, while King Baby maintains his regal bearing.
Through humor and keen observation, this picture book captures the dynamics between new parents and their babies, as well as the outsized presence a new infant commands in any household. The story speaks to both young readers who may recognize their own past behavior and adults who have experienced life with a "monarch" of their own.
👀 Reviews
Parents and children find King Baby captures the reality of life with a demanding infant through humor and satire. Readers connect with the baby's imperious attitude and the portrayal of exhausted but devoted parents.
Readers liked:
- Illustrations that convey emotion through simple facial expressions
- Relatable moments for parents of young children
- Humor that works for both adults and kids
- Short length that holds toddlers' attention
Readers disliked:
- Some felt the demanding baby portrayal reinforces negative behavior
- A few found the humor too subtle for very young children
- Price point high for page count
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (240+ ratings)
Notable reader comments:
"Perfect baby shower gift - warns new parents what they're in for" -Amazon reviewer
"My toddler loves pointing out the baby's expressions" -Goodreads review
"Captures that mix of frustration and love all parents feel" -Goodreads review
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The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld A child processes emotions with help from a patient animal companion who understands the power of presence.
I Am Not a Chair by Ross Burach A giraffe faces the challenge of asserting independence when other animals keep mistaking it for furniture.
This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen A tiny fish takes what it wants and faces the consequences of its actions through a tale of theft and justice.
No, David! by David Shannon A headstrong boy navigates the boundaries of acceptable behavior through a series of misadventures and parental responses.
🤔 Interesting facts
👑 Author Kate Beaton first gained fame through her webcomic "Hark! A Vagrant," which cleverly satirized historical and literary figures
🍼 The character of King Baby was inspired by Beaton's observations of how babies naturally command attention and devotion from everyone around them
📚 The book playfully explores the concept of "benevolent dictatorship" through the lens of a demanding infant who rules his household
🎨 Beaton's distinctive illustration style combines simple, expressive lines with subtle details that capture both humor and genuine emotion
🏆 King Baby received widespread acclaim and was named one of School Library Journal's Best Picture Books of 2016