Littles: And How They Grow

In a warmhearted celebration of early childhood, newborns grow into babies, who become toddlers, and--in a final spread--reach school age. Although these multicultural "littles," as DiPucchio (Everyone Loves Cupcake) calls them, take some hesitant steps here and there, her rhymes never do: they're unerringly comforting and spot-on in their cadence and meter: "Littles are cuddled and cradled just right./ On bellies, with blankies, in slings snuggly tight." Stylistically, the book is a major departure from Ford's work in picture book biographies such as Hello, I'm Johnny Cash and JFK; like the littles themselves, his delicate cartoon vignettes of family life are playful, tender, and frisky: one little devours a birthday cake by the fistful, another sends soap suds flying while splashing in the bath, and a third sprawls out on a patchwork floor, flanked by its two mothers. DiPucchio's verse and Ford's charming artwork combine to create what feels like a scrapbook of treasured childhood moments--moments that adult readers know are all too fleeting. Ages 3-7. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (June)

Toddler-PreS-A rhyming love letter, posing as a picture book, that explains how quickly babyhood passes. The book starts with a baby swaddled in a bassinet and ends with kids waving goodbye as they get on a bus. Sweet rhyming text explains the different ways babies are cared for, "Littles are fed on soft laps and in chairs. They're nursed and they're spoon-fed cooked carrots and pears." The bright illustrations set against a white background elevate the text and celebrate diversity. Showcasing babies, families, and caregivers of multiple races, Ford also shows a baby being breast-fed, carried in a sling, and playing with two mothers along with many other scenarios. The cover features three babies of distinctly different races and will appeal to anyone looking for some diversity on the shelves. This book should find a home in all libraries, and will likely become the go-to baby shower gift. VERDICT An excellent purchase for collections, storytimes, and gifts.--Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI