SO BIG!

Exuberant as ever, Yaccarino is the perfect illustrator to turn this favorite toddler/parent game into a book—“How big is a baby giraffe?”—open out the gate fold—“SOOO BIG!” Similarly for baby owl, kangaroo, snake, ostrich, and, finally, “How big are YOU?” An easily detachable strip, measured out in inches from 21½ to 48, will help to answer that question precisely, though it may make the book problematic for libraries. Flaps open left to right or top to bottom, allowing the baby animal to stretch out in the proper direction. Brightly colored, simply drawn figures plopped on white backgrounds will draw young eyes, the sturdy paper stock will survive moderately harsh treatment from chubby hands, and the game itself—that could continue long after the book is closed. One of the better offerings in the glutted novelty market. (Picture book. 1-4)