Asquith’s exuberant story celebrates the fierce independence of toddlerhood. The refrain “My do it!” is frequently heard as a tousle-headed tot barrels through his day. Asquith covers familiar territory for toddlers, depicting a young boy as he endeavors to dress himself, help Mommy do the grocery shopping, prepare lunch, and so on, until he eventually settles down for the night. Yet, in the end, the toddler’s quest for autonomy gives way to a stronger desire—the need for a warm snuggle and a bedtime story that mother and child can do together. The lively text skips along at a merry pace. “Later the boy sat down to play / He found some crayons and some clay / and a funny puzzle of a cow. / ‘Come on,’ said Mommy, / ‘I’ll show you how.’ / ‘My do it!’ / And he did.” The interactive story involves readers in the tale’s progression, prompting them to help the boy complete his tasks by lifting the flaps to discover missing items, such as a lost puzzle piece or an elusive tub toy. Williams’s vibrant illustrations are the focal point of every page, with the generously colored, large-sized drawings incorporating a plethora of toddler-pleasing minutiae; from the smiley faces on the boy’s drinking mugs to the intriguing array of toys scattered across the bedroom floor. The cheerfully drawn visages of mother and child are sure to evoke some answering grins from readers. With thick pages and manageable flaps, this merry little book should keep busy tots happily occupied. (Picture book. 1-4)
