ONE ROUND MOON AND A STAR FOR ME

Enriched by an African setting, the familiar theme of reassuring a child about his secure place in the family after a new baby is born. The sky is very close to this Lesotho boy; Papa seems to catch a falling star in his milk bucket (`` `A star for a new baby,' says Mama''), and when he sees the rising sun the boy imagines that it's chasing the moon ``back to her empty hut.'' Mennen weaves other celestial images into her simple portrayal of such Lesotho customs for welcoming a baby as gifts of water, soap, or ``fresh cow-dung for a new floor.'' When Papa proudly identifies the child as his (`` `They look like my hands...' ''), the older child expresses misgivings: `` `...are you really my papa too?' '' Papa warmly confirms their relationship with another physical comparison—and also finds the little boy his own special star. Daly's freely rendered art reflects the family's joy and affection while nicely evoking the rural setting. Warmhearted and appealing; it might be wise, in sharing this, to discuss (especially with adoptees) other bases for parent-child bonding. (Picture book. 4-8)