JAN ORMEROD'S TO BABY WITH LOVE
edited by Jan Ormerod & illustrated by Jan Ormerod
An artist known especially for her exquisite draughtsmanship visualizes five familiar nursery pieces in vibrant paint set off by brilliant white. A counting rhyme (Mrs. Hen enumerating her ten chicks), ``There was a little turtle,'' and ``A dog can guard the house./A cat can catch a mouse...But what are we to do/with a little one like you?'' are expanded to make mini-stories of several spreads each while a finger play (``Two Little Dicky Birds'') and a simple counting exercise (``Five little ducks'') make appealing one-page, multi-framed entr'actes. A feast of bright yet subtle color and bold design, just right for introducing the youngest to some familiar animals while tickling their ears with contagious rhymes and their minds with a few simple concepts. (Picture book. 1-5)