BABY ANIMAL FARM

A gaggle of tots meets various baby animals at the farm.

This diverse group of toddlers encounters ducklings, chicks, kittens, a piglet, a calf and more. The gentle, predictable text is a rhythmic chant that captions their experiences: “Feed the lamb. / Baa, baa, baa. // Tickle the kids. / Maa, maa, maa.” Blair’s Helen Oxenbury–like crayon-and-watercolor double-page spreads and vignettes capture the endearing tots’ enthusiasm and energy. The baby critters are equally cute and cuddly in the art’s soft colors. While the picnic scene is a little unrealistic (how do these toddlers manage eating whole apples and pears?), it is nevertheless entirely engaging; Blair captures posture, balance and grasping hands deftly. This title is perfectly age-appropriate, with the right number of pages and just enough text for the intended audience.

Here’s hoping these youngsters step out for another adventure very soon.