The shoppers are out in force and the market is abuzz with activity. Women in brightly colored dresses carry baskets on their heads laden with fruit and vegetables, hens strut around, and moped driver wait for clients at the taxi rank.

This is Baby and Mama’s destination: the vibrant world of a West African market, inspired by the markets Nigerian-born Atinuke and illustrator Angela Brooksbank experienced in their childhood. Baby (no specified gender) is about 2 and is strapped to their mama’s back in a cloth carrier. Mama has a large woven basket on her head. Both have brown skin and dark eyes, as do all the characters in this picture book for young readers.

As Mama and Baby explore the market, Baby acquires produce from various stallholders. First, six bananas, next five oranges, then four biscuits. On each occasion, Baby eats one of the items and places the rest in the basket on Mama’s head: five bananas, next four oranges, then three biscuits . . . and so on. It is a brilliantly simple counting activity, supported visually by the illustrations.

What makes it even more fun is that Mama is oblivious to Baby’s activity. She doesn’t know Baby is munching away, nor does she notice Baby putting all the produce in the basket on her head. So, imagine her surprise when she puts down her heavy basket and sees all the extra items. And later expresses her concern that Baby hasn’t eaten anything. This will no doubt have readers chuckling away. We know better!

The language is simple and sentences short. The text is printed in a dark font, with some of baby’s actions, like ‘baby grins’ and ‘baby claps’ called out in a very large type. The story has a lively flow and rhythm, making this picture book a great option for a read-aloud.

Vibrant illustrations in a mixed media palette bring the market to life on the page. Double page spreads feature lively street scenes. Smaller vignettes draw attention to the interactions between stallholders and market goers. Baby and Mama are always present, but all characters have a warmth, energy and soft appeal that will draw readers into the story.

Baby Goes to Market is a wonderfully fun introduction to counting and also – for many readers – to the delights of a West African market. It is a feast for the eyes and activity for the brain!

Baby Goes to Market
Written by Atinuke
Illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
First published by Walker Books, 2017; this edition, 2018

ISBN: 978 1-4063-6516-0

The wonderful Lebohang Masango reviewed four other books by Atinuke during her time on the #WorldKidLit Wednesday column. You can read her reviews here.

Awards: Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book 2018, Children’s Africana Book Awards: Best Book for Young Children 2018, Mathical Book Prize 2018

Reviews: Kirkus, School Library Journal, Book Trust

You can buy a copy Baby Goes to Market here or find it in a library, here.*

*Book purchases made via our affiliate link may earn GLLI a small commission at no cost to you.

Laura Taylor previously posted at Planet Picture Book, a world children’s literature blog she founded in 2017. She is a small business copywriter, NAATI-certified translator of French into English and member of AUSIT. When she is not writing, she is reading and spending time with her two young children. She occasionally tweets @plapibo