So Much!

by Trish Cooke, Trish Cooke and Helen Oxenbury
So Much! cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Technical:
  • ID: 776
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • Formats: 22
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Reviews
commonsensemedia.org · Unknown · 2025-09-23
joyful 4.50

The book is a joyful read-aloud about a loving black family celebrating a birthday. The story is told from the perspective of a young child who observes the affectionate interactions with family members.

So Much! is a heartwarming picture book that captures the essence of family love and togetherness. The story revolves around a joyous birthday gathering where family members express their affection for a little baby in various ways, from squeezing and kissing to dancing and playing. The narrative is told from the perspective of the baby, who delightfully observes the interactions. The book is praised for its joyful tone and the way it highlights the warmth and love within a black family. It's a perfect read-aloud for young children, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and the joy of being together.

Quick quotes

    This adorable tale is told from the point of view of a sweet butterball of a boy about 18 months old, with red overalls and kissable little bare feet.

    This observant tyke notices how each rela

    Parents need to know that this book introduces family members assembling for a joyous birthday gathering.

booksfortopics.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23
excellent 5.00

The reviewer, an ex-nursery school teacher, rates this as one of their all-time favorite picture books. They praise the strong rhythm and repetitive structure of the story, which engages young children, and the vivid illustrations that convey warmth, love, and energy.

The reviewer, an ex-nursery school teacher, highly recommends 'So Much!' as a classic picture book. They appreciate the story's strong rhythm and repetitive structure, which makes it engaging for young children. The book's central protagonist is a baby adored by his African Caribbean extended family, and the repetitive pattern of the story allows children to join in, making it an effective picture book. The illustrations by Helen Oxenbury are praised for their warmth, love, and energy, particularly in the central double-page spread of the party scene. The reviewer also notes the clever use of monochrome for the baby to convey his emotions, adding depth to the story. The book ends on a tender and poignant note, showing the baby sleeping soundly after a busy day.

Quick quotes

    What a beautiful book I love this illustrator

    The warmth, love and energy in the central double page spread when the party is in full flow is wonderful. Somehow it conveys energy, laughter, music and the smell of good food - what a triumph of illustration!

    This is not at all sentimental but an affirmative, tender and poignant happy ending to a great classic picture book story.

booktrust.org.uk · Unknown · 2025-09-23
adorable 4.50

So Much! is an adorable picture book that captures the joy and love surrounding a new baby, with vibrant illustrations and a sing-song rhythm that reflects the cadence of an Afro-Caribbean family. The story beautifully portrays the essence of family togetherness and cultural diversity.

So Much! is a delightful picture book that celebrates the arrival of a new baby and the love that family members shower upon them. The illustrations are vibrant and full of warmth, using an autumnal color palette that adds to the cozy atmosphere. The text is written in a fun, sing-song rhythm that captures the cadence of an Afro-Caribbean family, making it a great way for all parents and carers to discuss different cultures with children. The story highlights the joy and togetherness that a new baby brings to a family, making it a heartwarming read. The double-page spread of everyone dancing with Daddy is particularly overflowing with happiness, and the message that everyone loves the baby 'so much' is a touching sentiment that resonates throughout the book.

Quick quotes

    The picture book is adorable: from the wonderful palette of autumnal colours (browns, taupes, russet and oranges) to the baby realising that everyone wants him 'Because they loved him so much'.

    It's refreshing to see it capture the cadence of an Afro-Caribbean family, with Trish Cooke writing the language as it would be spoken.

    High-spirited, vibrant and fun.

letterpressproject.co.uk · Unknown · 2015-09-06
heartwarming 4.50

So Much! is a vibrant and engaging book that celebrates the joy of family and togetherness. The rhythmic text and colorful illustrations make it a delightful read for young children.

So Much! is a heartwarming book that captures the essence of family love and unity. The rhythmic text flows beautifully, making it a joy to read aloud. The illustrations are vibrant and full of life, perfectly complementing the story. This book is ideal for sharing with young children, as it not only entertains but also fosters a sense of belonging and happiness. The themes of family and togetherness are universal, making it a great choice for any family's bookshelf.

Quick quotes

    The rhythmic text flows beautifully, making it a joy to read aloud.

    The illustrations are vibrant and full of life, perfectly complementing the story.

    This book is ideal for sharing with young children, as it not only entertains but also fosters a sense of belonging and happiness.

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