So Curious: Baby's High-Contrast Board Book

Baby's First Moments

by Emily Barton

Genres: Picture Books

22 pages, Board Book

Expected publication January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books for almost the youngest reader imaginable, those who are yet to get prepared for a lifetime of holding books and knowing what they can give. Here it's a few spreads with simplistic black and white wildlife scenes – insects in grass, buzzing bees, and so on – and the briefest of rhyming text. I still think the flowers here would be better off in colour rather than the dramatic black and white, but this is helpful for baby eyes, apparently, and who am I to deny that, when nothing like an expert. It's certainly a very decent and competent board book, and the art is very good for all its colourlessness.

[Miri ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨

So Curious by Emily Barton was such a sweet and engaging read to share with my newborn. It’s a full high-contrast book, entirely in black and white, which is exactly what our pediatrician recommended for early visual development. My baby was truly captivated by the bold images, and I loved watching her eyes follow the shapes and patterns. It’s simple, striking, and perfect for those early months.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy! This one is definitely going on our baby bookshelf!

[Emily Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newborns see mostly in black and white because the cones and rods in the retinas don't develop to see colors until later. That's what I've heard anyway. This book is designed to be entirely in black, white, and gray to be easy for little eyes to see. The pictures are simple and large. The words are simple and introduce basic sounds and concepts. Very cute. A good choice for a baby's first book. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Curious by Emily Barton is a high contrast board book that introduces babies to a variety of animals, insects and objects that can be found in the outdoors. I especially appreciated the flow of the book and loved that it had reading tips for parents!

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free ebook ARC. My review is not required to be positive, and all opinions are my own.

[Emmy P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly adorable ARC copy. There is whimsy in the straightforward approach to this children's book. I appreciated the parent/carer information at the back and found it all quite approachable in its presentation.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

I love that this book has a bit more words and story to it then most high contrast baby books and the pictures are excellent, not too detailed but not boring for the adults either.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief but enjoyable read. I like the rhyming in this book. Simple story but engaging for babies. I never thought black and white would work in a book for toddlers but it did.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Includes tips for new parents on how to read with their infant.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Curious is a lovely, minimalist picture book with black-and-white illustrations and sweet rhymes that perfectly suit very young readers. It’s simple, rhythmic, and just the right length to spark curiosity before bedtime or playtime.


Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Barton and Free Spirit Publishing for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

So Curious will be published Jan 27, 2026.