ZOOBORNS

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then these stunning photographs starring precious animal tykes may be priceless. The range of real-life infants featured is extraordinary in its breadth, covering such unusual zoo or aquarium residents as the crowned sifaka and the tawny frogmouth. The captivating, clear photographs pose every cub, kit and so on at its most adorable. The accompanying page features the babe’s enthusiastic imagined commentary, placed against clean pastel backgrounds in standard infant-clothing shades. Animal silhouettes parade across the bottom of the text pages to highlight each engaging critter. There are a few factual tidbits sprinkled throughout, but the "Ooh, I'm so cute" tone grows tiring as each inhabitant’s self-introduction reveals more chatter than substance. Rooby the kangaroo explains, “What’s a gal to do when her fur hasn’t grown in yet? Snuggle into this warm and fuzzy blankie--that’s what!” Though the brief backmatter and related website add some depth, the simplistic endangered-status key begs questions but provides no real answers. Ooh and aah over these adorable babies, but skip the extra fluff. (Picture book. 3-6)