The Saga of Baby Divine

In 1983, a woman (who is now commonly regarded as a National treasure), turned down her performance dial, sat down, and tapped into her inner typist. Doing so was certainly a worthwhile attempt, for as a result, the world of Children’s Literature was blessed with “The Saga of baby Divine,” by Bette Midler.

Unfortunately, the book did not quite reach the level of popularity its author did, and is now out of print. Fortunately, thanks to consumer recycling, the book is still available on web sites such as strandbooks.com, and amazon.com. In addition to online availability, you may take your chances with (the now rare and elusive), secondhand bookstores.

The story certainly lives up to its title as a “saga,” for the tale involves an adventure-riddled plot about a bombastic young newborn, Baby Divine, who is destined to reach out into the very ether of the Universe for “more” - a word your children will become extremely aware of after having this story read to them.

With a sprig of curly red hair, a tropical print diaper (complete with personalized bling), and a mode of physical transportation that is strictly limited to dance moves...Baby Divine proves to be an exceptional creature. However, as is often the case with originality, it can be met with opposing forces. The people responsible for bringing Baby D into the world happen to possess none of her outlandish attributes. They’re very average, banal suburban folk who are uncertain about what to make of their over-the-top offspring. Their rejection of her charms causes a frisson and Baby D runs away from home feeling unwanted.

As it turns out, this little act of rebellion proves to be rather beneficial. By stepping off her front porch, Baby D hitches a ride on a stork (not unlike a New York cabbie), battles the Demon of Anxiety (thanks to the assistance of three Bohemian dames), and ultimately discovers that she must “cherish what makes her unique” in order to stand out more than the mountaintops that loom about the land. In turn, her parents realize her amazing gift and encompass her with love and support.

Midler creates a sensational writing scheme from start to finish that will keep the little ones mesmerized (even if they have trouble deciphering some of the more advanced vocabulary). The rhythm and eloquence of the prose is not only engaging for children, but entertaining for the adult as well.

Coupled with the spectacular writing are the vivid, larger than life illustrations by Todd Schorr. Every time I have read this story to children, they react to the images as though they’re living and breathing.

I strongly recommend this book to parents of children who possess an inclination toward the arts. More specifically, the performing arts. A powerful lesson is taught about battling the Demon of Anxiety, who frightens the young babe at one point by stating:

“I appear when your Courage departs. I find you whenever your Confidence fails you, and fear makes a home in your heart!”

Through a unique turn of events, Baby D learns to laugh in the face of mindless antagonism, quite literally, for laughter proves to be the best weapon to diminish such arbitrary attacks.

While the book is a treasure that your child is sure to remember (it’s my favorite book from childhood, so bear in mind that I’m slightly bias), it may be too mature for children under the age of five. It’s verbose, lengthy, and comprehensively challenging. However, if your kids are avid readers and able to sit through a thick read (complete with songs), go for it.

I first read it aloud to one of my charges when she was three. That same afternoon, when her older brother returned from school, she told him about the Demon of Anxiety by stating, “There’s a monster in Chelsea’s room, and he lives inside a book.” I read the book to them regularly now (they are now eight and five) and with every reading, they seem consistently smitten with the tale.

Bette Midler gives the young reader (and kid-like adult), a jam packed adventure from start to finish, and reveals the benefits of believing in one’s self, despite unfair judgments from others, or not quite fitting in...or even our own inner demons of anxiety.

Appropriate age for independent reading: 4th grade and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Kindergarden and up