SO MUCH

"They weren't doing anything, Mom and the baby, nothing really...Then, DING DONG! `Oooooooh!' " So begins this joyous, song-like tale of a family gathering focusing on the family's youngest member. As an aunt, an uncle, grandmothers, and cousins arrive, they hug, kiss, and play with the adorable toddler who revels in their attention. Finally the father comes home and—"Surprise!"—they've all come to celebrate his birthday. The party flows with food, drink, dancing, and good humor depicted in a glorious two-page wordless spread. Finally, the party ends and the baby is sent to bed, at first kicking and screaming but then happily remembering how everyone loves him "SO MUCH!" Cooke (When I Grow Bigger, p. 1124) masterfully captures the closeness of the family and the wonder of the baby. Her story builds repeating words and rhythms and a common, comforting refrain. Her use of ungrammatical speech patterns may not have been necessary, but it gives the whole a sense of candid authenticity. A celebration of a warm and loving African-American family. Oxenbury's illustrations are magnificent. (Fiction/Picture book. 3+)