James coasts through this remake of Baby Brains (2004), changing the milieu but not much else. As his parents once again look on in bemusement, the newborn supergenius takes up music, zips through music school in two weeks and displays such prodigious talent on electric guitar that in no time he’s landed an invitation to open a huge rock concert. However, facing the crowd, he suddenly starts bawling for his mother—who fights her way onstage for a cuddle. The ensuing record makes rock-and-roll history; still, Baby Brains retires, preferring to stay home (with occasional outings back to the school to teach). As before, James pokes good-natured fun at parents dazzled by their own offspring’s genius, and children will chuckle over the lightly drawn cartoon views of a tiny toddler rocking the house down on full-sized guitars, kettledrums and several other instruments. What will Baby Brains take up next? Art? Cookery? Ballroom dancing? Book reviewing? Stay tuned. (Picture book. 5-7)
