Future Baby Series
Scholastic | Written by Lori Alexander | Spring/Fall 2019 + Spring/Fall 2020
Future Baby is an a board book series that takes a playful peek into powerful careers and shows little ones how their current skills match up with the job at hand. With Future Baby, babies can be anything! The series includes 4 titles: Future Astronaut, Future Engineer, Future President, and Future Doctor. Click the image above for a video overview of the series by Scholastic editor Celia Lee!
Future Astronaut - Ground Control to Major Baby: Could you be an astronaut?
Does baby have what it takes to become an astronaut? That's an affirmative, Houston! Discover all the ways baby has what it takes to become an astronaut, from growing healthy teeth to working in small spaces. Fun astronaut facts are included to help prepare little ones for takeoff!
Future Astronaut was the first book in the series. I introduced side-by-side views of adults and the corresponding babies on each spread - one page for each. The use of bold background colors and simple shapes created clear, yet energetic imagery.
“Inclusive characters and appealing illustrations make this a fun and factual trip to space.” (Kirkus May 2019)
Future Engineer - Flip a switch. Turn a gear. Could Baby be an engineer?
Engineers want to know how things work. And so does Baby! Does Baby have what it takes to become an engineer? That's a positive! Discover all the incredible ways that prove Baby already has what it takes to become an engineer in whatever field they choose, be it electrical, mechanical, civil, or more. Includes lots of fun engineer facts to help foster curiosity and empower little ones to keep trying . . . and learning!
The second book in the series, Future Engineer, built on the success of Future Astronaut, featuring similar spread layouts, a vibrant color palette, and engaging compositions. The characters were intentionally diverse, which was missing in baby baord books at the time.
“The book is visually stimulating, witty, and thoughtful.
A book about engineering notable mostly for its illustrations of diverse characters.” (Kirkus June 2019)
Future President - The president is the leader of our country. Baby was born to lead!
Does Baby have what it takes to become president? Baby has our vote! Discover all the incredible ways that prove Baby already has what it takes to become the leader of our country. With presidential facts to help foster curiosity and empower little ones to keep the peace, make a change . . . and lead the world!
The art in Future President was another champion of diversity, showcasing a variety of babies and adults the political sphere has yet to see…but hopefully to have one day! This book was built around a red and blue palette to play off both political party colors used in the U.S.
“The illustrations in this board book feature racially and ethnically diverse examples of both babies and presidents, notably including women of color and at least one woman wearing hijab, and a brown, female-presenting child beams from the cover….” (Kirkus August 2019)
Future Doctor - Doctors help people in need. Baby is ready to lend a hand!
Paging Doctor Baby - we have a cuteness emergency! Read along to learn how Baby already has what it takes to become a medical professional. Includes lots of fun doctor facts to help foster curiosity and empower little ones to listen, problem-solve, and take care of others!
In the last book of the series, characters had inclusive features, such as hearing-aids, glasses, wheelchairs and more. With a softer palette, the illustrations were meant to be calming and teach children to embrace the health care workers they may interact with.
