ITSY-BITSY BABIES

Babies can do lots of things, as these winsome tots demonstrate in a catchy, rhythmic ode to the activities—and charm—of the very young. Ormerod’s round-faced youngsters vary in age from infants to toddlers and are thoroughly irresistible. Simply portrayed in soft pastel hues with just enough detail, these boys and girls frolic and wiggle, play and observe, stretch and cuddle throughout the pages. There are only children, brothers and sisters and even a set of twins, all from a variety of racial backgrounds. The rhyming couplets are just right for encouraging even very young children to listen for variations in the sounds of words: "This itsy-bitsy baby twiddles her toes. / That itsy-bitsy baby wrinkles up his nose." As the energetic text bounces along, the youngest listeners will delight in recognizing their own behaviors, while slightly older siblings-to-be will be encouraged by what they can anticipate as baby grows. Full of warmth and fun, appealing visuals and gentle humor, this is a marvelous book to read while gently bouncing a baby or young child on your knee. (Picture book. 2-4)