Baby Talk
Average Rating: 0.0
Country: South Africa
Ages: 3-5
Author: Sope Martins
Publisher: Book Dash
Illustrator: Alex Latimer

About The Story

Tayo’s baby sister Tinu is always crying, and Tayo doesn’t understand why. Could she be hungry? Sleepy? Upset? With the help of grown-ups—and a little patience—Tayo learns to understand the different sounds and signals his baby sister gives. This warm story helps young children understand that babies have their own way of communicating and that caring for others often begins with listening and observing. A gentle introduction to emotional intelligence and sibling bonding for the very young.

Themes

Family & Friends
Social & Emotional Learning

Sub Themes

Emotional Awareness
Displacement
Communication

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Learn that babies communicate through cries, sounds, and gestures
  • Begin to understand emotional cues in others
  • Build empathy for younger siblings or babies around them
  • Develop confidence in expressing their own feelings
  • Strengthen bonds with family through observation and care

Activities

  • Baby Needs Game: Show items (bottle, blanket, toy) and ask which helps with different baby cries.
  • Feelings Match: Match pictures of babies showing emotions with reasons (hungry, tired, happy).
  • Caring Hands: Children draw a picture of how they can help someone younger than them.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • Do you have a younger sibling or baby in your family?
  • How do babies talk if they can’t use words?
  • What do you think babies need the most?

During reading

  • Pause when Tayo guesses what Tinu wants—ask: What do you think?
  • Let children mimic baby sounds and expressions to guess meanings
  • Ask: How is Tayo being a good big brother?

After reading

  • Why was Tinu crying?
  • What did Tayo learn about his baby sister?
  • How can we understand someone who doesn’t speak?
  • What are ways to show care to babies?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Promotes mental well-being and emotional connection within families

SDG 4: Quality Education

Supports early learning around emotional cues and interpersonal skills.

Curriculum Alignment

  • Get Well Soon – emotional sensitivity and support
  • The Best Doll Festival, Ever! – sibling teamwork and empathy
  • It’s My Birthday! – young children and family love
  • Song in Her Heart – understanding differences in communication

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