Suddenly One

By Sam Mac & Deb Hudson

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Sam ‘Sam Mac’ McMillan is a  TV/radio host, author and entertainer. This is his first picture book. Deb Hudson has illustrated many children’s picture books including Zola and the Christmas Lights, The Kelly Gang Kids and the forthcoming Like a Gannet

Suddenly One celebrates the milestones in the first year of a baby’s life such as the first smile, the first bath, first Christmas, first swim, first steps and so on. These firsts happen fast and as Mac says ‘we won’t get them back’.

The colours are soft, the people are all gorgeous, with many different cultures represented so many will find someone to identify with. The illustrations use plenty of white space to keep the focus on the child.

There is a plastic sleeve on the inside front cover and the inside back cover for new parents to put in pictures of their child. This book is obviously aimed at new parents although a child may enjoy looking at it later when all the milestones have been achieved.

A book where everyone is happy (except for the cat who looks miffed, possibly at not being the centre of attention).

Penguin 2024

Sam Mac

Deb Hudson