Both young listeners and caregivers will relish this ode to their own favorite Baby-Boos.
What child hasn’t felt boundless love for a special doll or toy?
An adorable young light-skinned, pink-cheeked girl bedecked with blue barrette holding back wispy bangs assures her equally adorable white, pink-cheeked, pink-bowed baby doll that she loves her day and night, in all sorts of weather, and while they engage in a variety of activities and adventures. The simple, very reassuring story is told in lilting rhymes that scan well. The endearing, uncomplicated, gently colored illustrations, rendered in gouache, pencil crayon, watercolor, India ink, and collage, are set against lots of white space on double-page spreads, allowing young readers/listeners to focus attention easily on the child, her doll, and the action; some words are highlighted in pastel tones for visual appeal and to signal adult readers to emphasize them to enrich the listening experience. Though this slim book explores a well-trod concept, it’s a charmer to share with the very youngest audiences at quiet, one-on-one lap times and before bed; it’s also a lovely paean to the caregiver-child bond.
Both young listeners and caregivers will relish this ode to their own favorite Baby-Boos. (Picture book. 1-3)Pub Date: May 2, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-399-54782-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 13, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An invitation for readers to learn through observation.
Llama Llama and Mama spot different shapes at the farmers market.
Dewdney’s iconic llama stars in this board book, a part of the Learning With Llama Llama series. The story showcases five shapes: rectangles, squares, triangles, circles, and stars. Rather than simply showing the shapes and naming them, illustrator Morrow embeds them inside scenes from the farmers market. Each page turn uncovers a different shape. Signage and a shopping bag pop as rectangles, while umbrellas, a slice of watermelon, and the peaks of the tents form triangles. Shapes that appeared on previous pages are visible even as the story progresses, and the final page helps readers revisit and recall shapes they’ve already found. There are plenty of engaging details to keep readers looking, including other animal shoppers, kite-flying, and sudden, surprising rain. The text is concise, and each spread features a simple question inviting participation. This title is more captivating than other shape concept books, especially those that show block-colored shapes without context. Llama Llama’s popularity will make this a hit with fans, and readers looking for substance will find it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An invitation for readers to learn through observation. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-46509-7
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Cuddle up with this cheery board book to assure your babies that they too are loved.
Parental love has never been expressed so sweetly and believably.
In this sunny, bright world there is no ambivalence, much less postpartum depression—only positive possibilities. Church offers a model of good parenting, expressing the universal hopes all parents have for their children, that they “see the joy that life can bring.” Her focus is always on the child. The narrator mother is shown only at the very beginning, cuddling her newborn and lifting a sock-clad toddler above her head. On two other pages readers see the mother's hands reaching out to guide and encourage as the baby begins to crawl, stand, and run. The first-person narration might be confusing if the book is shared by a caregiver other than a mother. Toddlers will join in on the reassuring refrain “I will love you forever.” The pants-clad child is shown with tightly curled reddish-brown hair and light brown skin. The mother has a slightly lighter skin tone and straight hair. A faithful brown dog and well-loved teddy bear accompany the child on almost every page.
Cuddle up with this cheery board book to assure your babies that they too are loved. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Aug. 30, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-545-94200-3
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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