Review - We Sang You Home

We Sang You Home
by Richard Van Camp
illustrated by Julie Flett
Date: 2016
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 26
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this sweet and lyrical board book from the creators of the bestselling Little You, gentle rhyming text captures the wonder new parents feel as they welcome baby into the world. A celebration of the bond between parent and child, this is the perfect song to share with your little ones.

Internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author Richard Van Camp teams up with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett for a second time to create a stunning board book for babies and toddlers.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

As we give you roots
you give us wings

And through you
we are born again

Our everyday miracle
our everyday smile

Our forever home
is inside of you

No pressure, kids!

I don't know what the synopsis is talking about; as you can see, the text doesn't rhyme at all. This is basically just a collection of nice little sayings accompanied by Julie Flett's collage illustrations. The premise worked in Little You, which I read and reviewed last year. But this book left me cold.

The problem is that it's really a book for adults. Despite the fact that it's a board book, only parents are really going to appreciate the message. And I'm not sure if the illustrations here are going to be enough to keep kids engaged.

For a better book by the author, have a look at May We Have Enough to Share. For a better book by the illustrator, have a look at My Heart Fills with Happiness. Both of those books work better than this mediocre collaboration.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5