Avocado Baby

This was my little sister's favorite book when she was a child. She found it in the school library when she was about 6, and she must have checked the book out a hundred times! Back then, of course, we didn't have the internet, so my mother couldn't find it for her. When she had her baby last year, I bought this book for the new baby, as sort of a reminiscence of my sister's childhood, and to sort of signify something that they could share from one generation to the next. My sister was so thrilled when she unwrapped the book! It's hilarious, adorable, and very, very sweet!!!

I've been recovering from an illness at home for the last month. Children's books have proven to be the most enjoyable distraction. John Burningham's books are particularly remarkable both for their expressive artwork and the imaginative stories that he tells. Mr. Burningham is guaranteed to make a reader of any age giggle and sometimes, he will bring a tear to your eye (check out "Cannonball Simp"). I laughed out loud this morning when I read "Avocado Baby" for the first time. How I wish I had known of this delightful book when my teenagers were little. I'm purchasing it to save for my future grandchildren and for the child in me!

I remember reading this book when I was like 4 or 5 years old. It's stuck with me ever since. I bring it up in conversation like once a month at least. And nobody I ever mention it too, ever read the book. It was great and truly inspired me as a kid to be the superhero I am today.

We discovered this book at a public library in London and hoped to find a copy of it here in the States...Our two boys, ages 3 and 5 (now 4 and 6) LOVED this book. The thought of a really, really strong baby (who was sickly until their mother started feeding him avocado pear) and all the wonderful possibilities (e.g., picking up dad's car, defending big brother and sister against nasty bullies) was very appealing to them. I think that girls would like this book just as well! In general, John Burninghams books are well-liked in our house -- by both the adults and kids. They are easy to read, over and over again.

As a retired children's librarian, I know kids love this book; I've used it many times over the years in storyhours. Now I read to my grandsons, and they find it hilarious. In fact, they ask for it, even though months have passed since the last reading. I wish they'd do another printing!