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So Much
A tender and humorous look at modern family life, with exuberant art from the illustrator of We're Going on a Bear Hunt. Celebrate the warmth of Afro-Caribbean family life in this multiple award-winning picture book from Trish Cooke and Helen Oxenbury, illustrator of We're Going on a Bear Hunt. Mum and baby are home alone when – DING DONG! – Auntie and then Uncle and Nannie and Gran-Gran and the cousins come to visit. And they all want to hug and kiss and squeeze and eat the baby right up – because everybody loves the baby SO MUCH! With Helen Oxenbury lending her characteristic warmth and humour to a most exuberant family party, Trish Cooke's rhythmic, cumulative story captures the joy of being the baby in a large extended family – a baby who knows that he is absolutely, utterly adored.
48 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 1994
5 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Trish Cooke
38 books17 followersTrish Cooke is a British playwright, actress, television presenter, scriptwriter and children's author who might be best known for being a presenter on the children's series Playdays. She also wrote under the pseudonym Roselia John Baptiste.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 27, 2012
"So Much" By Trish Cooke is a wonderful, multi-award-winning picture book! I have just read this book to a class of thirty year one pupils and they absolutely adored it. This was my first time reading this book, and it was such a lovely, fun and engaging story about a family gathering, with a strong emphasis on the amount of love and care, everybody wants to show this little baby.
I have never come across this author before, so I decided to research her - Trish Cooke is an amazing author, who writes multicultural children's books. When I was at school I never got the chance to be showered with books that were written by someone that had parents with Dominican, West Indian descent, like Cooke. Despite being born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Cooke embraces her roots. She welcomes "Dominican patois" into her writing. This would have been so nice for me when I was at school, as my mother is from Jamaica, and I never really felt that this was something that could be celebrated, or even acknowledged, because it never seemed to exist in the National Curriculum in my day. I am glad to hear however, that this book is very popular when schools do 'Black History' Month. When I was at school my peers were not really exposed to people of Caribbean descent, so they would always laugh whenever they heard the accent. Exposing pupils to this early on will stop that kind of reaction happening. Hearing other accents should not be an alien aspect to their learning, in the same way that speaking an additional language is something that should be celebrated and not frowned upon. If anything it shows a deeper capacity of understanding!
There are so many positive things about this book that make it fantastic. For example, as I have said it opens children up to a different culture, as there is lots of Caribbean dialect used, so it obviously doesn't conform to the rubrics of Standard English, but it doesn't matter. It is very easy to read and understand, and has lots of humour embedded in it.
It is so repetitive that it begs audience intervention, and it is the perfect read at the end of a long, exhausting day. Especially for pupils that have a short attention span. It keeps the pupils wanting to join in. One of my favourite repetitious factors of the book, which I found very fun to read, was the door bell going, 'DING-DONG' and the kids absolutely loved shouting out, 'DING-DONG!'. They can also anticipate when this is going to happen.
The more you read, the more you can stop and question them, which make this very useful for comprehension skills. I asked the class on numerous occasions if they could put their hands up and tell me who was at the door, (or who they thought was at the door) and they all eagerly put their hands up, wanting to be picked. The great thing is that there is no wrong or right answer so even the most introvert pupils will get involved.
Another great thing about this book is that it leaves the person reading, open to personalisation, and moulding to the class they are reading it to. Whilst reading this book, I could tell that the pupils were very engaged, so every time I came across a part of the book that I knew they were able to predict, I paused. The class then jumped in and finished my sentence.
I have never come across this author before, so I decided to research her - Trish Cooke is an amazing author, who writes multicultural children's books. When I was at school I never got the chance to be showered with books that were written by someone that had parents with Dominican, West Indian descent, like Cooke. Despite being born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Cooke embraces her roots. She welcomes "Dominican patois" into her writing. This would have been so nice for me when I was at school, as my mother is from Jamaica, and I never really felt that this was something that could be celebrated, or even acknowledged, because it never seemed to exist in the National Curriculum in my day. I am glad to hear however, that this book is very popular when schools do 'Black History' Month. When I was at school my peers were not really exposed to people of Caribbean descent, so they would always laugh whenever they heard the accent. Exposing pupils to this early on will stop that kind of reaction happening. Hearing other accents should not be an alien aspect to their learning, in the same way that speaking an additional language is something that should be celebrated and not frowned upon. If anything it shows a deeper capacity of understanding!
There are so many positive things about this book that make it fantastic. For example, as I have said it opens children up to a different culture, as there is lots of Caribbean dialect used, so it obviously doesn't conform to the rubrics of Standard English, but it doesn't matter. It is very easy to read and understand, and has lots of humour embedded in it.
It is so repetitive that it begs audience intervention, and it is the perfect read at the end of a long, exhausting day. Especially for pupils that have a short attention span. It keeps the pupils wanting to join in. One of my favourite repetitious factors of the book, which I found very fun to read, was the door bell going, 'DING-DONG' and the kids absolutely loved shouting out, 'DING-DONG!'. They can also anticipate when this is going to happen.
The more you read, the more you can stop and question them, which make this very useful for comprehension skills. I asked the class on numerous occasions if they could put their hands up and tell me who was at the door, (or who they thought was at the door) and they all eagerly put their hands up, wanting to be picked. The great thing is that there is no wrong or right answer so even the most introvert pupils will get involved.
Another great thing about this book is that it leaves the person reading, open to personalisation, and moulding to the class they are reading it to. Whilst reading this book, I could tell that the pupils were very engaged, so every time I came across a part of the book that I knew they were able to predict, I paused. The class then jumped in and finished my sentence.
August 27, 2021
We call it the daddy's book and we love it! A book about a happy black family that bring us joy.
June 28, 2015
As with many of the best children's books, this story repeats a main idea while making small changes as you go along. In this case, the baby has more and more people come to visit them, each with different personalities and interactions. It ends with a surprise celebration.
I liked the sing-song cadence of the text, and the enthusiasm being expressed. Each of the family members likes interacting with the baby in fun ways, which kids will love.
I liked the sing-song cadence of the text, and the enthusiasm being expressed. Each of the family members likes interacting with the baby in fun ways, which kids will love.
May 21, 2022
I loved this book SO MUCH! :)
The illustrations are great. The love shown between the family is great! They are doing "nothing really" but showing how a family loves.
I might use this book for my first grade unit on families.
The illustrations are great. The love shown between the family is great! They are doing "nothing really" but showing how a family loves.
I might use this book for my first grade unit on families.
May 18, 2018
A lovely book with wonderful illustrations.
October 12, 2019
I love how this book presents a love of family through Cooke’s song-like Dominican voice. A tale of true familial happiness and love. A great book for KS1 with numerous repeated refrains and predication opportunities. A lot of work can be done around families in PSCHE.
October 9, 2022
This is a fantastic book from my childhood about family getting together to celebrate a birthday and the importance of family and love.
March 1, 2025
What a great book pictures were awesome
July 20, 2024
Great illustrations. Very engaging story. My 22 month old loved all the sound effects. The structure was interesting and keeps the reader guessing about who's coming next. I sadly felt a little uncomfortable reading it out loud because as a white person I felt like I was making fun of the way some black people talk, but I'm sad I felt that way because I want to introduce my kid to lots of different cultures. I'll still keep reading it to my son because I think it's a great book and he loves it and I want him to see families of all skin colors, but reading it 30 years after it was written, I don't think it's stood the test of time.
Ok, just found out the author is British. So i read with a British accent and all the problems are solved!
Ok, just found out the author is British. So i read with a British accent and all the problems are solved!
November 9, 2013
Told through the eyes of the baby, So Much is a story about a mum and her baby being visited by a sequence of relatives. Each relative that visits wants to do something to the baby to show they love him ‘so much.’ Everybody wants to squeeze the baby, everybody wants to kiss the baby and everybody loves the baby so much! The ending comes as a surprise because the family is there at the baby’s house to celebrate the Daddy’s birthday! The books main theme of family love is cleverly emphasised by seeing the events through the eyes of the baby.
What I really like about this book is foremost the illustrations. They are bright and vivid to capture the audience’s attention but also reflect the warmth of the story through the colours used to create them. The text is written in a singsong rhythm, which encourages children to participate when listening to the book. For the same purpose the text is repetitive ‘Ding Dong’ as this allows children to join in but it also keeps those with a short attention span actively engaged.
I also love the unpredictable ending that the relatives are not just there to see the baby; they are also there for a surprise birthday party for the Daddy. Through all the different things the family members want to do to the baby and them getting together for a birthday, there is a strong emphasis on love in the book. This teaches children to appreciate their family and how much they mean to them. The book is also multicultural and written in a Caribbean dialect, which not only teaches children about family, but likewise they learn about other cultures.
So Much has many uses within a school environment. It can be used to teach young children about family members and the concept of love. In EYFS and KS1 it is a very good carpet storybook because it captures the children’s attention as it gives them the chance to be involved with the story telling. This is because they can anticipate what happens next and through the teacher pausing they can predict who the next person at the door is. The more this book is read to a class, the more you can question them, which is key for building their comprehension skills at an early age.
In EYFS this is a good focus book to use in literacy as you can get the children to role-play each of the characters by acting out what each character does to the baby. Extended from this, it can be used as the basis for topic activities for the afternoon to do with celebrations. So the children could write party invitations or have a party small world.
Black History Month is now celebrated in a lot of schools and this would be a good book for those in EYFS or KS1 to study in relation to this celebration. This develops their awareness of other cultures and encourages acceptance.
I would give this book 5 stars due to its important message about family love and how interactive and engaging it is.
What I really like about this book is foremost the illustrations. They are bright and vivid to capture the audience’s attention but also reflect the warmth of the story through the colours used to create them. The text is written in a singsong rhythm, which encourages children to participate when listening to the book. For the same purpose the text is repetitive ‘Ding Dong’ as this allows children to join in but it also keeps those with a short attention span actively engaged.
I also love the unpredictable ending that the relatives are not just there to see the baby; they are also there for a surprise birthday party for the Daddy. Through all the different things the family members want to do to the baby and them getting together for a birthday, there is a strong emphasis on love in the book. This teaches children to appreciate their family and how much they mean to them. The book is also multicultural and written in a Caribbean dialect, which not only teaches children about family, but likewise they learn about other cultures.
So Much has many uses within a school environment. It can be used to teach young children about family members and the concept of love. In EYFS and KS1 it is a very good carpet storybook because it captures the children’s attention as it gives them the chance to be involved with the story telling. This is because they can anticipate what happens next and through the teacher pausing they can predict who the next person at the door is. The more this book is read to a class, the more you can question them, which is key for building their comprehension skills at an early age.
In EYFS this is a good focus book to use in literacy as you can get the children to role-play each of the characters by acting out what each character does to the baby. Extended from this, it can be used as the basis for topic activities for the afternoon to do with celebrations. So the children could write party invitations or have a party small world.
Black History Month is now celebrated in a lot of schools and this would be a good book for those in EYFS or KS1 to study in relation to this celebration. This develops their awareness of other cultures and encourages acceptance.
I would give this book 5 stars due to its important message about family love and how interactive and engaging it is.
October 25, 2012
So Much by Trish Cooke, is a fantastic read for everyone, children from early years through to year 2 will greatly enjoy the illustrations and repetition within this book.
On a personal note, this book brought back memories of my time in primary school and being read this story by my mother, who was born in the Caribbean. Therefore seeing such a book on the shelves which showed diversity was a unique aspect about 15 years ago. I believe it is important to represent different cultures in reading, especially at an early age, as in this multicultural day an age, all books should represent different family nationalities, languages, races and family dynamics.
This book follows the story about a family, through the eyes of a child waiting to see who is next to arrive at the house, and along comes different family memories who show their love and affection for the child. The story ends with a big family celebration for a particular missed family member. ‘So much’ is an ideal book for story time for early years it uses colour illustrations which draw in the reader. The Caribbean dialect may be hard for some readers, as the grammar is different; however it still is a fun and exciting read for young children. The use of repetition and onomatopoeic words work wonders with a young audience as they enjoy listening to these sounds and joining in with the repetition of certain phrases as the story progress.
On a personal note, this book brought back memories of my time in primary school and being read this story by my mother, who was born in the Caribbean. Therefore seeing such a book on the shelves which showed diversity was a unique aspect about 15 years ago. I believe it is important to represent different cultures in reading, especially at an early age, as in this multicultural day an age, all books should represent different family nationalities, languages, races and family dynamics.
This book follows the story about a family, through the eyes of a child waiting to see who is next to arrive at the house, and along comes different family memories who show their love and affection for the child. The story ends with a big family celebration for a particular missed family member. ‘So much’ is an ideal book for story time for early years it uses colour illustrations which draw in the reader. The Caribbean dialect may be hard for some readers, as the grammar is different; however it still is a fun and exciting read for young children. The use of repetition and onomatopoeic words work wonders with a young audience as they enjoy listening to these sounds and joining in with the repetition of certain phrases as the story progress.
September 10, 2011
A Wonderful, enjoyable and engaging read for children. Trish Cooke’s book ‘So Much’ is about the events of a day for a mother and baby, who have lots of relatives come around to visit their home leading up to a surprise birthday party for daddy. With an untraditional story layout, the language structures of this book play on the use of rhyming words, onomatopoeia, repetitive phrases and Caribbean dialect related expressions and sentence structures. This story is mainly described from the viewpoint of the baby which helps to emphasise its main theme of family love. This is shown throughout the story as each relative arrives at the baby’s house sharing different types of affection with the baby.
This book is full of enjoyment, has an unpredictable ending and offers the opportunity for children to be actively involved in helping to tell the story and have fun whilst carrying out the actions.
As my daughters all time favourite, I love this book because it can help to make the shared reading experience more exciting and enjoyable for both adults and children. However, the true beauty and power of this book can be lost if it is not read with the enthusiasm it deserves. I think this book would be most effective during group reading activities like assemblies or carpet time.
This book is full of enjoyment, has an unpredictable ending and offers the opportunity for children to be actively involved in helping to tell the story and have fun whilst carrying out the actions.
As my daughters all time favourite, I love this book because it can help to make the shared reading experience more exciting and enjoyable for both adults and children. However, the true beauty and power of this book can be lost if it is not read with the enthusiasm it deserves. I think this book would be most effective during group reading activities like assemblies or carpet time.
November 7, 2012
So Much! By Trish Cooke
I came across this book while in a Reception class this week, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is perfect for the EYFS setting. Both the children and I loved the images and the language used in this story. It is perfect for our current theme this half term of homes, families and celebrations. The author uses Caribbean English and I think this is really effective if expressed well when being read to the children. It is a perfect story for carpet time as it captures their attention and they can all join in with the responses. The images are very vivid and the colours used are warm and exciting. You could use these images to predict who was going to be the next person to ring the doorbell.
The children get very excited as they anticipate who could be next at the door. There are no clues as to why everyone is visiting Mummy and Baby, until the very end when we discover that it is actually a surprise party for Daddy! I think the message of the story, is for the children to appreciate the different members of their own families. There is many different lead on activities relating to this story, from drawing members of the children’s own families to activities involving celebrations and party games.
I came across this book while in a Reception class this week, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is perfect for the EYFS setting. Both the children and I loved the images and the language used in this story. It is perfect for our current theme this half term of homes, families and celebrations. The author uses Caribbean English and I think this is really effective if expressed well when being read to the children. It is a perfect story for carpet time as it captures their attention and they can all join in with the responses. The images are very vivid and the colours used are warm and exciting. You could use these images to predict who was going to be the next person to ring the doorbell.
The children get very excited as they anticipate who could be next at the door. There are no clues as to why everyone is visiting Mummy and Baby, until the very end when we discover that it is actually a surprise party for Daddy! I think the message of the story, is for the children to appreciate the different members of their own families. There is many different lead on activities relating to this story, from drawing members of the children’s own families to activities involving celebrations and party games.
September 16, 2011
A winner of the a Smarties Book Prize category and Kurt Maschler Award.
It is a day in the life of a mother and her baby as they are joined at home by their extended Caribbean family. As we are introduced to each cousin or family member a strong sense of love and affection is portrayed towards the baby.
When the baby's father arrives home we realise the gathering is for his surprise party.
The story is written in a Caribbean dialect which I personally found hard to read as it does not flow. In saying that I would not exclude it as reading material in my classroom because it opens a window to another culture and sends out a strong message of family unity.
It is a day in the life of a mother and her baby as they are joined at home by their extended Caribbean family. As we are introduced to each cousin or family member a strong sense of love and affection is portrayed towards the baby.
When the baby's father arrives home we realise the gathering is for his surprise party.
The story is written in a Caribbean dialect which I personally found hard to read as it does not flow. In saying that I would not exclude it as reading material in my classroom because it opens a window to another culture and sends out a strong message of family unity.
April 19, 2016
Must buy this book! A cumulative story. Each new relative who arrives interacts with the toddler MC. Adorable art. Diverse cast. Silly. Heartwarming. Slight twist to the climax. Perfect for giggly time, naptime, or snuggly moments.
April 28, 2018
Pre-K loved the repetition in the story, especially the ringing of the doorbell. They also enjoyed predicting who was next to visit.
April 6, 2021
Bardzo aktualny temat. Rodzina, miłość rodzinna, okazywanie uczuć, dziecięca radość, niecierpliwe oczekiwanie. O czym mowa? O wspaniałej książce od @dwiesiostry, czyli “Najmocniej na świecie” z tekstem Trish Cooke i ilustracjami Helen Oxenbury. Ta niezwykła książka miała swoją premierę 17 lutego i należy do serii “Polecone z Zagranicy”.
Mama ze swoim synkiem siedzą spokojnie w domu wyglądając przez okno. Nic ciekawego, czy emocjonującego się nie dzieje, aż do chwili kiedy… rozlega się donośne ding dong! Okazuje się, że z wizytą przyszła kochana ciocia, która nie może nacieszyć się maluchem! Następnie w domu pojawia się wujek, dwie babcie i dwaj kuzyni. Co więcej, ci wszyscy ludzie nie szczędzą słodkich słów, buziaków, przytulasów małemu chłopczykowi. Dzieje się tak, gdyż każda osoba, która wpadła w odwiedziny bardzo kocha maluszka i pragnie mu to okazać tak, jak tylko umie.
“Najmocniej na świecie” to piękna historia, przenosząca czytelnika w centrum cudownego, rodzinnego spotkania. Bije od niej niepowtarzalne ciepło, pozytywna energia oraz dowód na to, że rodzinna bliskość istnieje i może czynić życie człowieka prawdziwie wyjątkowym. Książka ta składa się z powtarzalnych scen, które z pewnością w niejednym maluchu wywołają poczucie bezpieczeństwa. Z tekstu wręcz wylewa się optymizm, jaki autorka chciała przekazać czytelnikom. Co więcej - bohaterowie tej bajki są ciemnoskórzy. Pewnie nie bez powodu, gdyż sama autorka posiada ciemną skórę. Poza tym ja, oglądając amerykańskie filmy zawsze miałam wrażenie, że osoby z czarną skórą są bardziej rodzinne i trzymają się razem dużo chętniej, niż biali. ”Najmocniej na świecie” to również świetne ilustracje. Co ciekawe, mimo, że zostały wykonane przez jedną ilustratorkę, różnią się od siebie. Jedne są niezwykle kolorowe, wyraziste, wyrażające szczęście i optymizm, drugie zaś, podczas oczekiwania, są szarawe, bije z nich spokój, cierpliwość. Dodatkowo, na niektórych stronach pod tekstem można znaleźć fantastyczne szkice synka w śmiesznych, optymistycznych pozach. Książka jest piękna i ze szczerego serca Wam ją polecam!
Mama ze swoim synkiem siedzą spokojnie w domu wyglądając przez okno. Nic ciekawego, czy emocjonującego się nie dzieje, aż do chwili kiedy… rozlega się donośne ding dong! Okazuje się, że z wizytą przyszła kochana ciocia, która nie może nacieszyć się maluchem! Następnie w domu pojawia się wujek, dwie babcie i dwaj kuzyni. Co więcej, ci wszyscy ludzie nie szczędzą słodkich słów, buziaków, przytulasów małemu chłopczykowi. Dzieje się tak, gdyż każda osoba, która wpadła w odwiedziny bardzo kocha maluszka i pragnie mu to okazać tak, jak tylko umie.
“Najmocniej na świecie” to piękna historia, przenosząca czytelnika w centrum cudownego, rodzinnego spotkania. Bije od niej niepowtarzalne ciepło, pozytywna energia oraz dowód na to, że rodzinna bliskość istnieje i może czynić życie człowieka prawdziwie wyjątkowym. Książka ta składa się z powtarzalnych scen, które z pewnością w niejednym maluchu wywołają poczucie bezpieczeństwa. Z tekstu wręcz wylewa się optymizm, jaki autorka chciała przekazać czytelnikom. Co więcej - bohaterowie tej bajki są ciemnoskórzy. Pewnie nie bez powodu, gdyż sama autorka posiada ciemną skórę. Poza tym ja, oglądając amerykańskie filmy zawsze miałam wrażenie, że osoby z czarną skórą są bardziej rodzinne i trzymają się razem dużo chętniej, niż biali. ”Najmocniej na świecie” to również świetne ilustracje. Co ciekawe, mimo, że zostały wykonane przez jedną ilustratorkę, różnią się od siebie. Jedne są niezwykle kolorowe, wyraziste, wyrażające szczęście i optymizm, drugie zaś, podczas oczekiwania, są szarawe, bije z nich spokój, cierpliwość. Dodatkowo, na niektórych stronach pod tekstem można znaleźć fantastyczne szkice synka w śmiesznych, optymistycznych pozach. Książka jest piękna i ze szczerego serca Wam ją polecam!
March 4, 2018
Some may remember So Much as a popular read back in the 90's classroom. I certainly remember it as a child! Well it's still alive and kicking in my classroom with the children cracking up at the colourful and creative characters created by Trish Cooke. It tells the story of a baby hanging around the house one day when each member of his large, and full of life, family arrive at the door. By the end of this story you'll have your favourite characters, and will most certainly be charmed by the little baby that just wants to have a laugh!
"They weren't doing anything, Mum and the baby, nothing really... Then DING DONG!"
If you have children in your life, get a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed!
"They weren't doing anything, Mum and the baby, nothing really... Then DING DONG!"
If you have children in your life, get a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed!
July 27, 2022
The relatives come over in ones and twos, and everyone loves playing with the baby, because they love him So Much! We eventually see why they're visiting, in this lovely book about familial joy.
A couple images did take me aback. One of the two cousins is described as an aside as "Big Cousin Ross," who is in the background and doesn't interact with the baby. He's shown as heavy set and kind of tired-looking, with half-lidded eyes. Later he's shown with a little butt crack showing, and in another picture with a chicken leg in hand - just felt fat phobic to me. The other image is when Daddy first comes home and the whole group surrounds him, and two different family members are rubbing his hair. Again, felt off to me, but perhaps I'm looking too far into it.
A couple images did take me aback. One of the two cousins is described as an aside as "Big Cousin Ross," who is in the background and doesn't interact with the baby. He's shown as heavy set and kind of tired-looking, with half-lidded eyes. Later he's shown with a little butt crack showing, and in another picture with a chicken leg in hand - just felt fat phobic to me. The other image is when Daddy first comes home and the whole group surrounds him, and two different family members are rubbing his hair. Again, felt off to me, but perhaps I'm looking too far into it.
January 3, 2026
In the video interview which forms part of the Helen Oxenbury exhibition, she describes this as her favourite work (besides having an understanding soft spot for We're Going on a Bear Hunt with Michael Rosen given its massive success)
I can understand why. Other books might have lots of enticing details, but this one... a paean to the joy of extended family, a procession of relatives at the door who all adore the little one in their very particular ways and he knows it. Trish Cooke's words and Helen Oxenbury's richly coloured illustrations work beautifully together. This is not sentimental, it is powerful.
I can understand why. Other books might have lots of enticing details, but this one... a paean to the joy of extended family, a procession of relatives at the door who all adore the little one in their very particular ways and he knows it. Trish Cooke's words and Helen Oxenbury's richly coloured illustrations work beautifully together. This is not sentimental, it is powerful.
September 10, 2020
This is a lovely story of a family that love there grandson and cousin (the baby) so much! It's nice to see the difference in interaction from each member of the family and how they feel towards the baby. And the build up is to the baby's daddys birthday but we see it from the baby's point of view and he has no idea of the occasion but can only see all the love and fun the family show to him. Great story for young children to show them similar things that might happen at there own home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
So Much
by Trish Cooke
Every member of the family had a different and special activity with this small child. When they each enter into the house they have to tickle, kiss, playfight with the baby. they all love him so much. Problem is they all get bored after their activity. Showing the nature of young children and how they have excitement with each reunion, but want to go on to the next thing.
by Trish Cooke
Every member of the family had a different and special activity with this small child. When they each enter into the house they have to tickle, kiss, playfight with the baby. they all love him so much. Problem is they all get bored after their activity. Showing the nature of young children and how they have excitement with each reunion, but want to go on to the next thing.
September 30, 2017
Great story with a natural climax, clear, language is completely authentic - urban afro-caribbean - we rarely see language matching culture / ethnicity so explicitly, and in a book for learning to read. The question is why? We rarely speak 1950's BBC English....
Richly expressive pictures full of life and colour - reminded me of the painting of Turner Prize nominated Lubaina Himid.
Richly expressive pictures full of life and colour - reminded me of the painting of Turner Prize nominated Lubaina Himid.
October 5, 2017
This book flows well and is fun to read. I think this is probably meant for kids two to four years old, but my kindergartner enjoyed it.
I like the way the book illustrates how waiting can feel like it takes forever but good fun can be had while waiting. I also liked the way there family members express love and value for each other throughout the book.
I like the way the book illustrates how waiting can feel like it takes forever but good fun can be had while waiting. I also liked the way there family members express love and value for each other throughout the book.
February 7, 2020
I adored this award winning book and enjoyed immensely the illustrations by legendary Helen Oxenbury. This picture book really comes to life! - you feel like you've been invited into a home full of love and joy. The language style is especially colourful. What a great book, I can see it's timeless value.
September 21, 2020
It took me a little bit to get into this story. I wasn't sure of where it was going at first but its a heart warming picture story about family and being together and how everyone communicates with the baby. It would be good to use this in the classroom to identify what family units can be like and what their families are like. Also I good book to discuss the language used I.e. lots of verbs.
November 2, 2022
Loved the premise of this book and in particular the warmth and loved that overflowed with such affection from most family members. I loved that the grammar had changed slightly to give a sense of a dialect, which again brought the characters to life.
One thing I found very uncomfortable was a description of the relationship between the baby and its older cousin- there was talk of slapping and fighting, neither of which are actions I want to promote, especially under the context of appropriate behaviour to accept for love or family.
I will look at more books by this author as I loved the style of writing, but I probably won’t take this out from the library again.
One thing I found very uncomfortable was a description of the relationship between the baby and its older cousin- there was talk of slapping and fighting, neither of which are actions I want to promote, especially under the context of appropriate behaviour to accept for love or family.
I will look at more books by this author as I loved the style of writing, but I probably won’t take this out from the library again.
March 22, 2023
So Much is a cute book about a mother and her baby who stays home and are welcomed by different family members who continuously want to hug and kiss the baby SO MUCH. This book hits a lot of points about love and family. I don't think I would read this book in my classroom because it has no theme or purpose, but it's a cute book to read and suggest to young readers.
August 17, 2023
Omg, why isn't this better known? Come on for #OwnVoices! and it's *so* adorable, and it shows Black family ties and joy. And know that Cooke has said that Oxenbury did such a great job with the art that she even recognizes members of her extended family in the artwork.
I'm trying to catch up on Oxenbury, and now I have to catch up on Trish Cooke, too.!
I'm trying to catch up on Oxenbury, and now I have to catch up on Trish Cooke, too.!
November 6, 2023
I was watching a Zoella vlog and she was talking about the books she reads to her little girl and I thought this one looked cute so I checked it out on libby and I read it real fast. It was a sweet little storybook about a whole family getting together and the dad coming home at the end. It's very sweet, it makes me wish my family was as close as they used to be LOL😭...
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