All Fall Down

July 19th, 2009

All Fall Down is a big board book with only 8 pages by Helen Oxenbury. The book measures 8.6 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches. There are lots of pictures in this board book for infants and very few words on each page. Helen Oxenbury's delightful board books, featuring her sweet and cuddly babies at play, are back with a whole new look.

What is All Fall Down about?

All Fall Down is about a mother and four babies. The babies are playing, bouncing on the bed, singing and running around. Eventually they all fell down.

There are four board books in this same series. Each of these board books consists of four double-page illustrations with a brief rhyming action verse. Chubby little toddlers engaged in a variety of activities spill off the pages in lively arrangements. Close-up views show multi-ethnic babies playing, bathing, eating, swinging, sleeping, etc. The watercolors, in bright pastels with pencil outline, are clear and appealing on a white background. The primary disadvantage of this set is the oversize format (8 square). Tots will find these books hard to hold in their hands, and turning the pages will be frustrating. Older preschoolers who could manipulate the pages will find little story or plot to hold their interest. However, with an adult or older child turning the pages, these books will be enjoyed by the intended audience. Nancy Kewish, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland.

All Fall Down