by Michael Lawrence & illustrated by Adrian Reynolds ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2000
Lawrence’s lovable infant basks in the warmth of familial affection in this exuberant companion title to Baby Loves. Joyful prose celebrates some of Baby’s favorite types of snugs and smooches, with a focus on the beloved group who occupy Baby’s immediate world. The ebullient sentences overflow with just the right amount of nonsense to tickle tiny funnybones; from a bewhiskered grandpa are “prickly tickly kisses,” while grandma doles out “snuggly cuddly hugs.” However, this genial tot gives as much as he receives, enthusiastically showering those around him with gleeful baby love. The simple writing and familiar characters engage even the youngest audience. Reynolds’s bright illustrations, featuring large-sized, colorful figures, convey the whimsy and wonder of Baby’s world. Droll pictures capture all the chaos of a tot on the loose; his eyes squeezed shut in loving bliss, Baby hugs his kitten while the hapless feline patiently endures the over-zealous tribute. With his oversized, perfectly rounded, and nearly-bald noggin, Baby is irresistible, stealing readers’ hearts. A cheery tale that is bound to please fans of Baby Loves and enchant a new generation of readers. (Picture book. 1-4)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-7894-5649-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: DK Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2000
Share your opinion of this book
More by Michael Lawrence
BOOK REVIEW
by Michael Lawrence & illustrated by Arthur Robins
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
by Caroline Jayne Church ; illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 27, 2015
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...
A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
Share your opinion of this book
More by Caroline Jayne Church
BOOK REVIEW
by Caroline Jayne Church ; illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church
BOOK REVIEW
by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak ; illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church
BOOK REVIEW
by Caroline Jayne Church ; illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church
by Rose Rossner ; illustrated by AndoTwin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 1, 2020
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, but the syrupy sweetness will cloy after the holiday.
Animal parents declare their love for their offspring in alphabetical order.
Each page displays an enormous capital letter, one line of verse with the keyword capitalized, and a loving nonhuman parent gazing adoringly at their baby. “A is for Always. I always love you more. / B is for Butterfly kisses. It’s you that I adore.” While not named or labelled as such, the A is also for an alligator and its hatchling and B is for a butterfly and a butterfly child (not a caterpillar—biology is not the aim of this title) interacting in some way with the said letter. For E there are an elephant and a calf; U features a unicorn and foal; and X, keyed to the last letter of the animal’s name, corresponds to a fox and three pups. The final double-page spread shows all the featured creatures and their babies as the last line declares: “Baby, I love you from A to Z!” The verse is standard fare and appropriately sentimental. The art is cartoony-cute and populated by suitably loving critters on solid backgrounds. Hearts accent each scene, but the theme of the project is never in any doubt.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, but the syrupy sweetness will cloy after the holiday. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-7282-2095-6
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Jan. 26, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2021
Share your opinion of this book
More by Emily Emerson
BOOK REVIEW
by Rose Rossner ; illustrated by Emily Emerson
BOOK REVIEW
by Rose Rossner ; illustrated by Morgan Huff
BOOK REVIEW
by Rose Rossner ; illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.