It’s Bristol Baby! by Shirley Vernick, Art by Paige Garrison

Reviewed by Kristin

The bookblog usually focuses on adult books, but we think many will enjoy this lovely new children’s book!

The phrase “It’s Bristol Baby” has a whole new meaning these days. It’s more than racing; it’s a project meant to inspire parents to read with and be engaged with their children. Twin City Reads is an organization focusing on improving literacy and student success in our community. Partnering with several community agencies, Twin City Reads aims to provide tools to parents and children to create a brighter future. As a simple first step, a new board book called It’s Bristol Baby will be provided to every child born at the Bristol Regional Medical Center.

Bristol is a twin city community right on the border of Virginia and Tennessee, and this vibrant board book shows babies and toddlers zooming all over town. With a refrain of “From Virginia back to Tennessee…” babies are playing, reading, picnicking, dancing, sledding, and showing that Bristol is truly a good place to live. The colorful pictures show children and parents having fun together at well-known locations around town such as The Bristol Motor Speedway, The Paramount Theatre, Cumberland Park, The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and of course The Bristol Public Library.

At the end of the book are some reading tips for parents to engage their children. Looking at the details of the book adds much depth, as children can identify colors, count people, and discuss their favorite seasons and activities with adults. The level of detail included makes the reader feel as if they were walking the streets of Bristol. Even the background city views on the front and back covers have identifiable landmarks, lending an air of authenticity to this simple book.

The Caterpillar Crawl makes an appearance here too, with a tiny caterpillar gracing each page until the end, when, you guessed it, a butterfly emerges. Check out a video preview of It’s Bristol Baby at www.bristolbaby.org with the original song “Bristol Baby Bounce” written by Kris Truelsen and performed by local favorites Bill and the Belles. We’re still tapping our toes, and are willing to bet that you will be too.

It’s Bristol Baby is available for purchase at the Bristol Public Library Gift Shop and these other locations:

·         Bristol Chamber of Commerce

·         Birthplace of Country Music Museum Store

·         Believe in Bristol
Bristol Motor Speedway Gift Shop

United Way of Bristol