The Baby Tree

The age-old children's question of where babies come from is given tongue-in-cheek treatment in this iconographic-animated adaptation of the 2014 picture book by author and illustrator Sophie Blackall. Narrated by Chris Patton, the story's little boy protagonist wakes up early one morning and receives a bit of family news: a new baby is coming. Although the boy has “a hundred questions in my head,” he instead opts for more Cocoa Pops, and in the rush of getting ready for the day, his question of “where are we going to get the baby?” falls by the wayside. No matter: the little boy is on a quest, and he asks others. Teen babysitter Olive mentions something about a seed that makes him picture a sort of baby tree; teacher Mrs. McClure knows that babies come from the hospital; pigeon aficionado Grandpa thinks the stork brings newborns; and Roberto the mailman has information about eggs. It's no wonder that the lad is “very confused!”—until Mom and Dad finally clear things up. Also featuring a read-along option, this informative and entertaining short aimed at young kids is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)