Shine, Baby, Shine

Leslie Staub writes about the arrival of a new baby the way it actually feels — like an ordinary day just became extraordinary. Lori Nichols's glowing illustrations live up to the title, and Kirkus called it 'an ode to the tender love that babies give and receive,' which is exactly right. The book follows four diverse families welcoming new babies, and the warmth is genuine throughout. The honest note for this site's audience: one of the families depicted includes same-sex parents, which is a detail some faith-oriented families will want to know before purchasing. The book's intent is purely celebratory and the content is otherwise appropriate for the youngest readers. Families whose convictions align with traditional family structures should review accordingly; for others, it's a genuinely joyful gift book.