My son loves this story! He is 14 months old, and we checked this out from the library 3 weeks ago. He has wanted us to read it to him every night before he goes to bed. It's perfect at bedtime, because it ends with the baby going to sleep after the most wonderful day you can imagine. Though it's Daddy's birthday party that's brought everyone to the house, baby is the one that everyone wants to kiss and hug.

Helen Oxenbury's illustrations are incredible, the way the people seem to have real weight and personality. I especially love the baby, and there's one drawing of him holding his teddy bear, wrapped in his blanket, with his thumb in his mouth, which is EXACTLY the way my son looks when he's tired and sleepy, getting ready for bed. Of course, my son's Asian/Jewish, not African American, but this book is truly universal.

My two year old absolutely loves this book! It was the first book he received 2 years ago and he really enjoys all the characters, especially Nannie, Gran Gran and Big Cousin Ross. I do change the language a little bit so that it's gramatically correct, but once I got over that obstacle, I really love it too. And we do read it every night. As a matter of fact, I had to order another copy because the first one got torn up by my son's little hands. Excellent addition to any library.

I have a habit of browsing bookstores in every place I visit and selecting a book each for my daughter (age 5) and son (age 1). I picked this book up in CA and loved it immediately! I knew it would be a hit with both the kids and it was. My son completely identifies with the "baby" and loves to point to him on every page. At the end of the story we all hug, kiss, and try to eat him! I am sending copies to my best friends. It's always great to see a lovable African-American tale.

I watched the making of this book. I found that the storyline was one that I could relate to.The grandfather in this story is one that any person would love to have.I spent time with my grandfather at the beach, but these children spent time with thier grandfather under the shade of a beautiful apple tree.The story is soft and gentle and so are the pictures. You will LOVE it!