SHWATSIT!

Baby talk can be an exasperating experience for older siblings and parents. Just what exactly does the baby mean when she keeps repeating her favorite word, “shwatsit”? Older brother exclaims it could mean a multitude of things from kite, balloon or string to sandbox, slide or swing. “ ‘Shwatsit’ this and ‘shwatsit’ that! / ‘Shwatsit’ dog and ‘shwatsit’ cat!” The clipped, rhyming text coordinates well with Beardshaw’s colorful paintings. A day of breakfast, shopping, laundry and playground time unfolds as the cherubic toddler continually voices her request. Readers will eventually pick up on the one constant in the illustrations—baby’s teddy bear and the object of her desire—just as older brother realizes “Shwatsit is ‘She wants it!’—fast!” Patience and brotherly ingenuity bring out the process of language development as a family works together to lovingly communicate with their youngest member. A winning choice for all those older siblings wanting to help out with the baby. (Picture book. 2-5)