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The night you were born ISBN: 9781841215938
McCormick, Wendy and Williams, Sophy
Published by Orchard, 2001
Light is a feature of this very beautiful picture book. Jamie and his Aunt Isabel are at home, awaiting the birth of his sister, and time is hanging heavy. Aunty suggests they turn on all the lights 'to light the way for this new baby'. Then they (and the two family cats) settle down in Jamie's room to wait. Aunt Isabel tells Jamie about her journey to meet him the day he was born, about the fog 'thick as a nest of furry rabbits', about the calls to the hospital, about the lovely drive along the sea coast, and, finally, about the happy call that told of his arrival. There is a mystical bonding of the idea of light - a lighthouse, the moon - with a new soul 'shining' in the world. When the call comes to say the new sister has arrived, Jamie and Aunt Isabel sing a welcome to her - and turn out the lights. The illustrations in soft chalky colours are outstanding.
Age: 3+