Baby Book: The Book of You Review
Recording the memories and moments of my son’s life has been a really important part of my parenting journey. I would love to hand him a book (or books) full of memories on his eighteenth birthday. There are multiple ways that I am doing this and trying to record my parenting journey. Using a notebook can be daunting, sometimes. I hate the idea of “ruining” a page and always overthink my journal entries. One option to limit that is through the use of premade baby journals. After much research, I found the Colour Chronicles and I opted to give it a go. Today, I wanted to share my thoughts of the Book of You.
Colour Chronicles does offer alternative books – such as the Baby Book of You. However, I was specifically drawn to this book for multiple reasons and wanted to give it a go. What captured me most about it was that the book is designed to be filled out once a year, and includes space for the child to write their own entries and thoughts as they get older. I had to see it!
What is the Book of You exactly?
The Book of You is truly a record of one’s childhood. It offers a space for an annual reflection (around their birthday), offering very easy prompts and simple pages that can be filled out until the age of 16. The book offers plenty of prompts, which are age appropriate. For instance, as the child gets older, “Shoe Size” is introduced into the pages or “Favourite Toy” is replaced with “Most Treasured Possession”.
The best part about it is that from the age of three, it has pages and prompts for the child to fill out themselves (or to answer whilst the parent fills it out). Again, these are appropriate for their age. I love the attention to details. At age three, the children are able to put handprints or footprints onto the page, maybe scribble and so on. But as they get older, there’s space to write their name and then later, sign their artwork. These little changes show the thought and effort that has been put into them and I love that.
The book includes some additional note pages, as well as space for other significant dates that aren’t birthdays or family & friends that did not get to write in the book. It even includes messages for the child’s future self, making it a perfect journal for lifelong memories.
What does it look like?
The simple design is a cloth cover that is offered in multiple colour choices, so you can either pick one that you associate with the child or simply your favourite. I went with red for my meant-to-be Christmas baby! Picking a colour is probably the hardest part as they are all great fun.
These pages look ‘clean and simple’, whilst offering fun prompts for the child or grown-up to write in. It is not limited to one adult, nor does the adult have to be a parent or guardian. It could be anyone who knows the child. You could get a different person to write in it every year! For instance, a grandparent, uncle/aunt, perhaps even a teacher if they have the time!
The Book of You has a few pages for the child to fill out (or someone to fill out on their behalf) and then two pages for the adult to fill out per year. The child’s pages include some simple prompts (such as eye colour for babies). These expand to be more age appropriate as they get older. It also offers a space to draw or write an essay if they want to. The grown up’s pages contain about six prompts that are designed for any grown up to fill out.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, absolutely. What I love about this book is that it is perfect for those who ‘don’t have the time to journal’ regularly. You do not need to do this every week or month or even remember the little details. It is designed to be filled out once a year. It could probably be backfilled if needed too – though that might require a bit more thought.
One thing I love about the pages is that it does not have to be filled by a parent, it does not even have to be the same person. I am also tempted to try and get different people to fill it out every year. Perhaps my son’s grandparents, uncles and aunts could also fill it out one year, so he has a range of different perspectives. It would be interesting to see my thoughts and how they change over the years but also their alternative perspectives.
Raising a baby can be hectic, so this book is perfect for busy people. It would not take more than 20-30 minutes a year, which is definitely doable. I also love that Colour Chronicles truly does not assume anything about the family. It is evident to see that they truly believe families vary entirely in shape and size, their journal embodies inclusivity. There is no single mention of “mum” or “dad” or anything – and I love that.
Other Colour Chronicles Baby Books:
Colour Chronicles also offers two other books – The Baby Book of You and The Book of Me and You. I have not gotten either of these but from the sounds of it, they both sound like great additions. Whilst I was considering getting how I wanted to do my son’s baby book, the Baby Book of You was a strong contender. It is designed to be filled out monthly for the first twelve months of your child’s life – though it can be backfilled if you miss a month (I definitely would!). The main reason I opted against it was that I wanted the freedom to write any messages, ask other people to leave messages, stick random receipts and so on. I also knew that I would end up backfilling a lot, as I sometimes journal every day for a week but then not again for a month.
However, I think the Book of Me and You is a unique option for people who love to journal. My parents don’t particularly enjoy journaling. If they did, I think this would be the book I would get for them. It is designed to be filled by the child and a special grown-up in their life: be it their grandparent, a godparent or uncle/aunt etc. It is probably best for older children (at least 6 years old) due to the prompts but it is a great way for a relative/loved one to share stories about the child as well as pass on their wisdom.
Can you get them all?
Yes, most definitely. The Baby Book of You is designed for the first twelve months. The Book of You is for 1 to 16 years. It is aimed at reflection around their birthday each year. The Baby Book of Me and You is aimed at slightly older children, and offers different prompts, focusing on a special relationship.
If you are interested, check out Colour Chronicles to purchase your own copy. They offer free delivery, and sometimes offer a discount, such as book bundles!
Am I tempted to give one to everyone I know having babies? Yes, yes I am.
The website also offers FREE digital downloads. I am really excited to do the Christmas Interview with my son when he’s a bit older as well as my husband so he can see what his parents enjoyed!
Disclaimer: I received a small discount in exchange for the review but all thoughts and views are my own.
