STAR BABY

“Hi baby / Up, baby / Sun, baby / Shine / Smile, baby / Laugh, baby / Hug, baby / Mine”—so go the first verses of this utterly winning baby-rocking ditty. In the course of the day, mother and child count toes, play peek-a-boo, have lunch and a nap, walk a little and play a little, each activity defined by that deceptively simple rhyming scheme. The rich, warm, matte acrylics use large areas of flat color to great effect, as in the mom’s long dark swooping hair, or the tree background when the child’s on a swing. Pattern carries the star theme: on the child’s pajamas and quilt, on bathroom walls and the shape of sponges, even on the back pocket of baby jeans. This may be a family that studies the stars, as there’s a globe in the living room and a telescope in Daddy’s office, and the bedtime story is called Rocket Boy. It is also worth noting that the rosy-cheeked mom is a buxom and full-figured lady. Basic baby rhyme books are a dime a dozen; this one’s priceless. (Picture book. 3-7)