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Couched as a “Guide for Babies of All Ages,” this humorous take on a baby’s first impulse to stand up and walk contains a comic subtext not too cautiously veiled behind the energetic encouragement of those first few steps that open up a universe of new experiences as baby leaves the shelter of the familiar for the unknown.
The roly-poly baby so nicely illustrated is tiny compared to everything around him; familiar objects from vacuum cleaners to stacks of pillows and chair backs are all taller than him. But once he pulls himself up for that first, tentative journey, it is impossible to impede his progress, not to mention the empowerment of such an accomplishment.
Of course, there are cautions along the way, “be careful of things that are wobbly; stay away from fragile stuff,” even silly reminders to “pull up your socks and straighten your diaper” (just in case). Baby is assaulted by the usual setbacks – too much too soon, a tumble to the floor, a howl of distress, immediately followed by the desire to begin again. Cleverly worded and cheerfully illustrated, this tongue-in-cheek guide is a delight, offering more food for thought than is first apparent for babies and their caretakers.
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Walk On!: A Guide for Babies of All Ages