Review: Suddenly One


If you follow Sam Mac on his socials, you'd understand his motivation for wanting to express the poignant joys of parenthood. Her name is Margot. This picture book chronicles the birth of his daughter in a holistic inclusive way, featuring a number of parenting combinations, their bubs and their babies' milestones. It begins with a statement: time is a treasure. 

So true. Precious, unrepeatable firsts are scattered throughout which may seem pedestrian to the non-parent but resonates with the same incredulous quality a child experiences when witnessing, mastering or performing a new life wonder for the very first time. It's pure magic. Human firsts are never so abundant than in the first year of life as revealed in each page turn.

Baby's firsts are beautifully showcased with gently hued illustrations surrounded by plenty of white space that allows eyes and hearts to fully focus on each milestone baby makes. Honestly, it has a Baby Book kind of vibe; it's for baby, speaking to baby but really is a heartwarming insanely poignant reminder for new parents just how wonderful the first 12 months really were despite the sleepless nights and explosive mood swings.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this picture book is its value-adding inclusivity, which encourages its keepsake value and allows room for personal touches = best endpapers ever! Recipients of this book can add a special keepsake or picture of their newborn in the special see-through sleeve on the front endpapers and then again at the end once their child has aged a year. Making this picture book about babies a truly clever, cute and brilliant book to gift and treasure.

Title: Suddenly One
Author: Sam Mac
Illustrator: Deb Hudson
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia, $19.99
Publication Date: 17 September 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761347849
For ages: 0 - 99
Type: Picture Book

Buy the Book:   Penguin Books       


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