Baby Baby Baby!

November 1, 2010
"Bitsy bouncy baby / On a bumpity lap / Mommy's little baby likes to / CLAP / CLAP / CLAP!" Daddy, Puppy, Grandma, Grandpa and Kitten all get a piece of this rhythmic baby action. The little guy crawls down the hall, takes a bath, chases the (smiling) kitten, cuddles and goes to sleep. It's all sweet enough, but there's nothing that really elevates it to something special. Some of the language is downright gooey ("Winky eyes / Blinky eyes / Off goes the light / KISSY / KISSY / KISSY") and will require a strong stomach to get down. Moreover, parents and babies who are enjoying this at bedtime will wonder why this tot doesn't get to listen to a story, too. The all-Caucasian cast of characters renders this even further run-of-the-mill. Skip it. (Board book. 3 mos.-18 mos.)

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

December 1, 2010
Preschool Nine stanzas of appealing verse show a baby playing with family members and pets, taking a bath, and going to bed. Bitsy bouncy baby / On a bumpity lap / Mommys little baby likes to / CLAP / CLAP / CLAP! Although the text is a bit longer than that of most board books, its bouncy verses will hold young childrens attention with rhythm, rhyme, repeated phrases, and references to familiar things. Meanwhile, the digital artwork illustrates the cheerful characters in squiggly, black line drawings brightened with bold patterns and colors. Encouraging interaction between parent and child, this board book reflects babies everyday activities with verve and joy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)