Starred review from June 15, 2009
As infectious as a baby's first smile, this celebratory book will enchant any family with a newborn to love. While ostensibly exploring a baby's anatomy, Adler's sunny poem and Nakata's ebullient watercolors demonstrate not only a baby's exploratory joy but also the palpable delight a baby brings to a family. The satisfyingly predictable pattern of verse lends itself to interactive hugs and tickles. A closeup illustration of the roly-poly baby (“Baby's got eyes,/ bright little eyes”) is followed by a page divided into four illustrations (“Round as pies eyes./ Just the right size eyes./ Like an owl—wise eyes./ Peeka-peeka-boo”). The question “Who loves baby's eyes?” (later asked about nose, ears, tummy, etc.) is answered at the turn of the page (“Me, I do.”) as Nakata shows the baby interacting with different family members. A final verse and spread featuring the whole clan—parents, grandparents, brother and even the dog—provides an adulatory conclusion. Although the book is recommended for those under age two, it is especially suitable as a new-baby present for any member of a warmhearted family. Up to age 2.
July 1, 2009
PreS-Through bouncy verses, children follow a toddlers antics as her grandparents, parents, a brother, and a pet dog celebrate everything about her, from her eyes to her tummy to her toes. Babys got ears, /cute little ears./Smaller than bunny ears./Stick out kinda funny ears./Hearing everyoney ears./Babys got two./Who loves babys ears?/Me! I do! Cheery watercolor and gouache artwork breaks the spreads into full-, double-, and quarter-page images. Despite the use of baby in the title, toddlers are the more appropriate audience for the books pastel color palette and playful details. This is a lively lap-reading experience for the very young and their grown-ups, likely inspiring a dose of tickling in the process."Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY"
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
May 15, 2009
Preschool Babys eyes, nose, ears, tummy, legs, and 10 little toes get discovered in this bright and cheerful picture book aimed at the youngest audience and their loved ones. Each body part is introduced with a playful rhyme designed to be read aloud (Sniffs at a rose nose. / Honks when it blows nose. / Wrinkles when it goes nose / goes kerchoo). Readers end each two-page spread wondering, who loves this particular part of the baby? Upon turning the page, they discover the answer is one of the babys loved ones: the mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and even the family dog take turns making an appearance alongside the little one. Nakataillustrator of Lucky Pennies and Hot Chocolate (2002)infuses love, laughter, and joy into the colorful watercolor-and-gouache illustrations. A brief book but a likely favorite for toddler and lap-sit storytimes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2009
This book's plump, adorable protagonist explores her world as Adler's bouncy, rhythmic text sings the baby's praises, from "round as pies eyes" to "teeny-tiny treat toes." Nakata's watercolor and gouache illustrations depict a rosy-cheeked, button-cute little girl shown in alternating full-page pictures, vignettes, and double-page spreads patterned to match the text's refrain. New parents and grandparents will eat it up.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)