Play Baby Play!

April 16, 2012
In this follow-up to Baby Baby Baby! and Go Baby Go! a towheaded baby joins a group of five friends in a daycare-like setting. They kick a bouncy ball, play musical instruments, and read together: “We like to hear a story/ We like to read a book/ There are lots of pictures/ Look/ Look/ Look!” Janovitz fills her spreads with bright colors and patterns, from a pea-green brick wall and orange carpet to the playmates’ overalls and dresses. A reassuring reminder of the fun to be had when Mom and Dad are away. Ages 1–up

May 1, 2012

PreS-Almost every spread is set up with rhyming verse facing wonderful art complementing the text on the opposite page. A couple of the illustrations fill the whole spread, and the text bounces across the top of the pages, reflecting the fun rhyming and action words used. The simple story follows six babies throughout their day as they play with one another and various toys from musical instruments to blocks to books. The story ends quietly with naptime. All of the babies are dressed in fun, bright hues and patterns, and each one is easy to identify. Vibrant colors and a rhythmic text make this book perfect for the toddler crowd in both a group setting and one-on-one sharing.-Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2012
No need for rain to go away because babies can stay inside and play. A mom carries her child through the drops to, possibly, day care or maybe a play date with a bevy of multicultural pals. After an enthusiastic greeting, the tyke moves quickly from one toy to the next. The tots pore over books without adult interference and participate in some lighthearted horseplay. Phrases build with a pounding emphasis. "Rolling on the rug / Frolicking on the floor / These little babies want / MORE / MORE / MORE!" The typography and text maintain this repetitive, high intensity even when the little one rests after a day of games. "But day is done / Little one / Naptime is near / BABY /BABY / BABY // Dreamtime is here." Disproportionately small appendages and an over-large head add a quirky visual flair. The children endearingly bobble about as they struggle for their sense of balance and independence before the main protagonist instantaneously falls asleep (with no sign of a tantrum). A rainbow in the background sweetly signals the end of the rain. Here's to all the fun without any of the fuss. (Board book. 6 mos.-3)

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