We love storytime in our house and with our newest addition to the family, babies are a hot topic so we could not wait to read and review Broadway Baby by Russell Miller with Judith A. Proffer. This story is about a very imaginative baby who dreams about being on stage singing and all the excitement that comes with performing. From the orchestra and dressing up to sequins and fans!
At a time when theatres are temporarily shut and fans, artists and theatre workers are missing live performances, Broadway Baby charms with a whimsical love letter to Broadway. Artfully illustrated by the award-winning Yoko Matsuoka, this cheeky little broadway baby dreams of becoming a Broadway star. Those dreams take us on a truly theatrical journey from his crib to the playground to the heart of New York City, with nods to many elements that make live theatre so special.
Written by Russell Miller with Judith A. Proffer, Broadway Baby celebrates the importance of theatre and creativity; encourages children and theatre lovers of all ages to create and be whatever you want to be, whoever you are, wherever you are and reminds readers that even the loftiest of dreams can come true.
What did we think of the book?
This is a fun rhyming style story that my son loved trying to mimic was, however, a little old for Teddy who thoroughly enjoyed turning the pages and finding stars in the images throughout but lacks the attention span for a book so lengthy. I do believe this fun engaging book which takes you on a theatrical journey from his crib through the magic of theatre would be much loved by children slightly older, especially theatre-loving families that may be down with the lingo.
Personally, my favourite thing about this book besides the creative tale is that a portion of the proceeds from UK sales will be donated to Theatre Artists Fund to help support the industry, which I feel is crucial after such an unprecedented year.
How much does the book cost and how can I order a copy?
You can buy the book at Broadway Baby for £19.50 which I do feel is slightly overpriced for a children’s book however, it is supporting one of our favourite arts so as a family, we would definitely be swayed to the purchase.
Book details
Publisher: Meteor17
ISBN: 978-1-7324491-9-0
Number of pages: 46
Dimensions: 22.86 x 30.48
About Russell Miller
The book is written by Russell Miller and Judith A. Proffer. Russell Miller a theatre operator and producer with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. A Senior Business Director, he has been responsible for 12 regional UK theatres and 10 West End Theatre’s in London. He has overseen productions such as ‘Guys & Dolls’ with Ewan McGregor and Patrick Swayze, which broke box office records, Cirque De Soleil’s Broadway debut hit musical, ‘Paramour’ and Molière’s ‘Misanthrope’ with Kiera Knightly in her West End debut with Damien Lewis, just to name a few.
Russell oversaw the planning and delivery of events for the London Olympic Games which had an audience of over 3 billion people. He is currently producing a documentary ‘Defying Gravity’ celebrating Stephen Schwartz composer of shows such as ‘Wicked’ and ‘Godspell’.
About Judith A. Proffer
Judith A. Proffer founded Hugua Press in 2010 as an independent publishing house. She previously spent 25 years in newspaper publishing. Hugua Press publishes a varied catalogue of books from culinary, fiction to popular culture titles. Judith seeks authors whose work uplift, inspire, inform and engage.
Judith was honoured by the LA Business Journal and San Fernando Valley Business Journal as one of the leading “Women Who Make a Difference” in the Southern California Community. She has taught writing workshops for children, adults and young offenders and is launching The Word Garden 2021, a non-profit writing resource for non-writers.
Review by: Chloe O’Malley
You may also want to read this:
Children’s Book Review: Big Splash Circus by Karina Choudhrie
Children’s Book Review: The Rug Bear by Emma Rattray
Children’s Book Review : The Happy Book by Alex Allen
* We were sent a copy of the book for free in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
19 comments
I am a firm believer in children enjoying books from a young age, and always looking for new books for my grandchildren. This sounds a fun book and love that they donate to charity as well
It is such a fun book indeed, hope you get your hands on these
This sounds like such a fun book, I love anything with a theatre/ broadway theme and I can’t wait for the theatres to reopen again x
It is such a fun book for little ones indeed
Sounds like a lovely book, although I completely agree that at almost £20, that is pretty pricey! Seems like a great quality book though.
Agree the book is pricey, but I did not mind as it went to charity
I do love when books for kids rhyme it can make it more fun for children. It sounds like an interesting story my son would also enjoy.
Agree, as children learn to speak that way and sing too
Oh I love the look of this books , the girls would absolutely love it .
They certainly would, they are super funny as well
Awww this looks like such an amazing children’s book. I love books like this and I bet my daughter would love this one too.
These certainly are, such a great author and the illustrations are eye-catching
My niece and nephew love reading their books and we buy them loads as it’s something that they truly enjoy, the broadway baby sounds like a great book.
What a fun sounding book! I love rhyming books like this for the kids and with myself and Olivia having read nearly all of her collection, I might have to pick up a copy!
Glad to hear that, hope she enjoys this book
This sounds such a good book – I have always introduced my children to books at a very early age. Kaz
That is such a good habit to instil in children
Broadway Baby does sound like a super fun book for the little ones! I think I am going to gift this to my cute 4-year old nephew, he loves reading such books ❤️
How lovely to hear that and you will be supporting the arts as well