You'll always be my baby by Jessica Urlichs. Illus. by Jedda Robaard

You'll always be my baby is a sentimental poem adapted from one of Jessica Urlich's most popular poems and formatted stanza by stanza into the pages of a softly illustrated hardback keepsake edition in response to requests from Jessica Urlich's 1 million + followers. Urlichs is a New Zealand poet, influencer and writer and the Sunday Times bestselling author of Beautiful Chaos. Urlichs writes about family and motherhood. She maintains a strong online presence through a large Instagram community and even offers her poems as digital downloads through her shop on Etsy. Her books for babies and young children help children navigate their emotions in the early years and her "honest and heartfelt poetry" help as popular guidance for parents around the world.

You'll always be my baby is beautifully illustrated by Australian author, illustrator and designer Jedda Robaard, who is known internationally for her "sweet and whimsical style of illustration". Soft pastel colour washes are used throughout across the double page spreads. The images are of gentle shared pursuits, beach going, dandelion blowing, making snow angels, knitting, reading and hugging. 

The poem, You'll always be my baby, describes the love of a mother for a child - a love that endures from birth for the rest of the mother's life into old age. The words of love are expressed through the mother's first person stance and are addressed directly to the child. The poem takes the reader through the stages of childhood to old age and asserts over and over with each new double page spread,  ..."You'll always be my..."

The rhyming scheme is a gentle a/b/c/b pattern and the rhythm is a gentle beat that is maintained throughout.

Possibly for some, this book may seem too cloying but there may be times when the emotions catch any reader unawares, particularly if they are a new mum or grandmother reminded afresh of the cycle of life and the ongoing nature of maternal love.  Gently rhythmical and presenting an emotional insight into motherhood, You'll always be my baby would make an ideal choice for a shared reading experience for parents and children and as a gift.  Reminiscent of Anita Jeram's and Sam Mc Bratney's Guess how much I love you, You'll always be my baby is a heart warming and calming bedtime story in poetry form with a message about the constancy of love that is poignant for parents and children alike.

Themes: enduring love, motherhood, mother/child bond.

Wendy Jeffrey