In this spirited romp, Jamaican-Canadian poet Olive Senior tells the tale of four-year-old Johnny, who just can’t seem to keep his clothes on. To his mother’s dismay, no outfit can contain his exuberant nakedness, not even a pair of “burglar-proof, hurricane-proof, child-proof” overalls. The book is a departure for Senior, a winner of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize who is well-known for her poems, short stories, and non-fiction works on Caribbean culture, but she proves adept at crafting an equally engaging narrative for younger readers.

The lilt of Senior’s native Jamaica comes through in the story’s rocking meter and wry humour. By the end, the mischievous boy learns that to become a “big lad,” he must simply get dressed, and Johnny finally decides that wearing clothes isn’t so bad after all.

The book features paintings by Ontario artist and author Eugenie Fernandes, best known for her Little Mouse books. Her pastel-hued scenes depict the lively daily life of a tropical town, capturing the joy in the wriggly boy as he scampers from beach to market stall and back. Charming background elements add another layer for discovery, including details such as a cat with a crab clinging to its tail and the ever-present smiling sun.

Parents and kids will giggle together over the mighty struggle to keep Johnny clothed. With its charming, relatable plot and melodic rhythm, Birthday Suit is perfect for storytime.