My Book of Firsts - by Lee Wardlaw (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A keepsake volume of poetry marking the key moments in a baby's first year, with space to record your baby's milestones

My Book of Firsts is a delightful collection of poems about the milestones experienced by babies in their first year. From a baby's first toy to its first tooth, from first book to first word, first haircut, and first birthday party, My Book of Firsts provides lilting poetry to share with babies as they progress through that first year of life. All illustrated with the warm and inviting drawings of Bruno Brogna. The book features a section in the back with spaces for parents to record their baby's milestones as they reach them. My Book of Firsts will ultimately become a keepsake and record to return to in the future. It is a perfect baby shower gift, a sibling gift, and a great book for day care centers with infant/toddler programs.

Review Quotes

"A cheery . . . collection with broad appeal . . . Upbeat poems celebrate a baby's common milestones. . . these straightforward, easy-to-read poems radiate joy. Brogna's soft, cozy illustrations of friendly animals add to the atmosphere of gentle positivity. . . the book evokes a warm feeling, celebrating the way a baby grows."
-- "School Library Journal" (1/10/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Praise from Poets for My Book of Firsts

"Written in the playful voice of a baby, Wardlaw's poems celebrate a child's firsts with gentleness, fun, and great love. Families will enjoy reading this collection together again and again." - Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, author of Read! Read! Read!

"This delightful celebration of a child's first year of life captures each exciting new discovery and milestone in lyrical language that hums and thrums, giggles and squeals, and sings. It begs to be read aloud. Just say yes!"
- Nikki Grimes, bestselling author of Bedtime for Sweet Creatures and Off to See the Sea

"This exquisite little book has so much to love! Love to have. Love to give! From the joy-filled "First Day" poem with its tongue-in-cheek adorable opening to the final poem about Baby's "First Birthday," Lee Wardlaw's My Book of Firsts is an irresistible, first-class celebration that every new parent will love." - Charles Ghigna, author of The Father GooseTreasury of Poetry for Children

"This little book is, simply, precious - and full of sweet and important moments. Each page is a brand-new adventure for parent and child to enjoy together. Illustrations by Bruno Brogna are soft, engaging and comforting. What a keepsake this is, especially for the new parent or grandparent. A perfect gift for a new baby in the world." - Rebecca Kai Dotlich, author of What Is Math? and Welcome to the Wonder House (with Georgia Heard)

"With humor, insight, and warmth, versatile poet Lee Wardlaw celebrates important moments in baby's first year. Cozy, endearing art adds to the fun and brings a smile. Put this charming book FIRST on your gift list as a perfect shower or new baby keepsake!" - Joan Bransfield Graham author of The Poem that Would Not End

"What a delicious collection of bite-sized poems celebrating baby's firsts! Wardlaw's witty, cozy poems capture the silly and beautiful details of all your little one's big moments--from the endless list of what to bring for the first big outing to the snuggly, huggly moments of reading a book together. Lovely poems and charming art make THIS a great choice for that first book!" - Laura Purdie Salas, author of Line Leads the Way

"Playful, bouncy rhymes, and illustrations featuring hues as warm as a hug, make this book of firsts an adventure in itself." - Danna Smith, author of Peek-A-Boo Haiku

"In gentle, rhyming verse, Wardlaw lovingly captures the wonder and surprise of a baby discovering its world. A muted color palette of animals will delight young eyes, and space reserved at the end allows the book to be used as both a record of baby's First Year - and baby's First Book of Poetry! An excellent book by any definition." - Matt Forrest Esenwine, author of Flashlight Night; anthologist of A Universe of Rainbows

"With sweet and gentle verses from a newborn's point of view, My Book of Firsts charmingly marks baby's important milestones. The delightful poems and tender illustrations of adorable animal families fill the pages with all the wonder and joy one would expect of a new arrival. A darling book for every parent's little darling." - Renée M. LaTulippe author of The Crab Ballet

"A baby's first year -- that sweet time, rich with tender moments, memories and milestones -- is celebrated in Lee Wardlaw's beautifully crafted MY BOOK OF FIRSTS. Bruno Brogna's art is a gentle, pastel invitation to Wardlaw's sparkly poems, which range from thoughtful to funny - and all so much fun to read aloud. I can't think of a more perfect gift for a new baby. I plan to stock up!" - Kristine O'Connell George, author of ¡Libro! Book!
"What a wonderful way to introduce the sounds and rhythms of poetry (so important for language development, ) while celebrating those magical milestones in a child's first year!" - Michelle Schaub, author of Dream Big,
Little Scientists

"An absolutely adorable book of sweet, soft, snuggly, comfy, and cozy poems and lighthearted, lovable illustrations that will surely make your heart melt. My Book of Firsts is a great gift for welcoming babies into the world." - Darren Sardelli, author of The Wild, Wild, Walk

"You will NEVER get tired of reading this book again and again; the clever poems fill your head and heart and house with joy." - Janet Wong, Winner
NCTE Excellence in Poetry for Children Award

"I can't recommend My Book of Firsts highly enough! Brogna's gentle illustrations glow with joy and warmth as Wardlaw's delightful verses lovingly chronicle the milestones of Baby's first year. -- Kenn Nesbitt, former Children's Poet Laureate; author, One Minute till Bedtime

"A sweet collection of delightful keepsake poems celebrating eleven important moments in a baby's first year. From baby's first day, "wrapped in softness/hugged and snug..." to a first tooth, to the cake, candle glows, and bubbly excitement of a first birthday, Wardlaw's charming poems, warmly illustrated by Bruno Bagna in soft pastel hues, are just right for savoring and celebrating each joyful milestone in baby's first year. - Dianne White, author of It's Your Time to Shine and Blue on Blue.

-- "Praise from Children's Poets" (12/6/2024 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Lee Wardlaw is an award-winning children's author best known for her poetry book Won Ton--A Cat Tale Told in Haiku, and its companion title Won Ton and Chopstick. Lee has two degrees in education, and taught both elementary and preschool for several years before deciding to write full-time. She claims her first word was kitty. She is an active member of SCBWI and now lives with her husband and cats in Santa Barbara, CA. Bruno Brogna is an illustrator who specializes in creating characters for greeting cards and children's books. He finds that traditional drawing in his sketchbook allows him to express his ideas quickly and directly before completing the process on a computer using digital watercolor. Brogna can be found on Instagram and Flickr. He lives in Burnley in the North of England.