Review: Baby Goes to Market

Join Baby and his mama at the bustling marketplace for a bright, bouncy read-aloud offering a gentle introduction to numbers.

Rhythmic language, visual humour and a bounty of delectable food make this a tale that is sure to whet little appetites for story time. When Baby and Mama go to market, baby is so adorable that the banana seller gives him six bananas. Baby eats one and puts five in the basket, but Mama doesn’t notice.

As Mama and Baby wind their way through the market stalls, cheeky Baby collects five juicy oranges, four sugary chin-chin biscuits, three roasted sweetcorn, two pieces of coconut … until Mama notices that her basket is getting very heavy. Poor Baby, she thinks – he must be very hungry by now!

I was thrilled to win a copy of this beautiful book courtesy of the incredible children’s book blog Here Wee Read., and I can’t wait to share it with the families at my story times!

As the book explains on the very first page, “This story takes place in a West African market. Its market stalls and market sellers are inspired by markets known and loved by Atinuke, the Nigerian author, and Angela, the illustrator, who grew up in West Africa.”

Baby Goes to Market takes readers readers on a joyous tour through a busy, busting African market filled with life, movement and riotous colour. Baby (and the reader) meet coconut sellers and palm oil makers, clothes sellers and banana merchants in this rhythmic, rollicking introduction to both West African cultures and basic arithmetic.

As Baby explores the market he charms all of the local sellers, who just can’t help but share some of their wares with this adorable little one. Baby nibbles and snacks on some of his treats, and puts the rest in Mama’s basket. Mama is so immersed in her shopping that she doesn’t notice Baby’s little additions, leading to a sweet surprise ending.

Baby is beyond charming, the market scenes are brimming with fascinating details to explore, and the ending is utterly delightful. This is one baby book that no one will be able to resist!