REST

In a dream of a book for new parents, soft black-and-white portraits depict babies getting ready to sleep.

The close-up images of racially diverse infants, sometimes posing with a caregiver, fill each right-hand page. On the left, one sentence of gentle verse per page reads like a lullaby: “Tired baby, close your eyes. / Mommy sings a lullaby. / Sleepy baby, rest your head. / Day is done, it’s time for bed.” Floating alongside the text are line-drawn cartoons of little ones in repose on lavender backgrounds, with stars, hearts and bedtime paraphernalia swirling about. The soft colors and the soothing, quiet-toned black-and-white photographs work well for the subject. The companion title, Play, follows a similar format, but the images are appropriately active and bubbly, the verse is an invitation to engage, and the background color of the text is a sunny yellow. The babies show off 100-watt grins, and the occasional caregiver models engaged interaction. The last two pages of both books provide basic information for parents and caregivers on the respective importance of sleep and play. With its companion, this title should be a welcome addition to parent-baby routines. (Board book. 6-18 mos.)