The prize for...

... favourite book this week goes to The Biggest Bed in the World by Lindsay Camp and illustrated by Jonathan Langley.

This delightful picture book tells the story of how Ben likes to sleep in his Mum and Dad's bed. All is fine until his baby brother Billy arrives, then things get a bit cramped. When the twins, Beth and Bart, arrive they are followed soon after by the triplets Brittany, Bella and Boris, which leads Ben's dad to make a creative, althought not really structurally sound solution.

The book is so much fun to read with the delightful alliteration and Langley's illustrations capture perfectly what life with cosleeping little ones can look like. (Think of a jumbo bed in a too small room, with a smattering of toys around.) Ben's mum is featured frequently in the pictures but is never mentioned; however, this in no way detracts from the story. (I am however a bit worried about her apparantly hyperstimulated ovaries and super-fertility.)

I really feel that this book captures the feeling and atmosphere of a loving young family who enjoys each other's closeness. It has positive images of young children, cosleeping, breastfeeding, baby bottles and family life.

I asked my husband what he thought of the book when I read it to Chubs and him. I said 'what do you think about Ben's dad?' and he replied 'Poor bastard' with a look of understanding. This book is a must for any parents who have a child in the bed regularly or occasionally, and the kids will probably enjoy the story too!