THE BABY’S BOOK OF BABY ANIMALS

Chorao provides readers with a compelling mixture of old and new poems, songs, and rhymes in a treasury of verse that can be read for years to come. Bracketed by opening and closing verses pertaining to the beginning and end of a day, the remaining selections are loosely arranged by critter. Readers explore everything from dogs, pigs, kittens, sheep, and rodents, to bears of all sorts. She mixes traditional works with contemporary selections, offering readers a sampling of genres: Yolen’s “Grandpa Bear’s Lullaby” is followed by the toddler classic “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear.” Blake’s “The Lamb” precedes the nursery favorite “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep.” Selections include a smattering of Wordsworth, Tennyson, and Shakespeare, with a modern component represented by William Wise and others. She sprinkles her illustrations with sly humor, such as in the puppy spread, where frisky pups float past on soap bubbles. A winsome assortment of cuddlesome creatures adds to the overall appeal. (Picture book. 1-5)