TROT, TROT TO BOSTON: Play Rhymes for Baby

To be used with infants and toddlers, this compilation of action chants for making warm contact and spurring learning is a fine addition to the parent's bookshelf. Based on results of a Mellon Research Grant to explore children's folk rhymes, early-childhood expert Ra has brought today's busy parents a glorious collection of knee, face, toe and body ticklers. The rhymes are appropriately printed large enough for reading while doing, and well-thought-out instructions are given below: how to give the child a sense of rhythm and anticipation, monitoring a Child's expression as a guide for security, pacing and mood, and the best times for certain rhymes, e.g., ""One little mouth that likes to eat"" at mealtime. Whimsical, soft watercolor illustrations include animals, toys, and three beautiful mother-child pairs, with a black duo truly a knockout. A flaw: a father appears on the cover, but, alas, is not paired with a baby inside. A likely winner with followers of Jim Trelease, this unusual, delightful present for baby and parent offers freshness, excitement, even mystery. Most memorable.