What Will We Do with the Baby-o?

Linda Ludke is a librarian at the London Public Library.

Ten songs, rhymes, and finger plays are featured in this fun-loving
collection. Perfect for baby storytimes, the selections include
traditional verses such as “One Little Baby,” “As I Was Going to
St. Ives,” and “Trot Trot to Boston,” as well as contemporary
tunes such as “Apple Me Dapple Me” and Woody Guthrie’s “Jig
Along Home.” Children’s librarian Theo Heras also includes
suggestions for interactive play. The rhyme “Little, Tiny Baby
Mousey” can be enhanced with a “tickle under baby’s arm or
chin.” “Ally Bally Bee” lends itself well to “rock[ing] baby in
your arms as you sing.” Sheet music for eight of the songs is also
included.

Jennifer Herbert’s stylized watercolour and gouache illustrations
follow a family of five throughout their day. The vibrant double-page
scenes capture each family member’s playful and energetic spirit.
Father gives morning piggyback rides to twin girls who are wearing
matching crowns and hot-pink skirts, while Mother plays the saxophone to
the delight of the dancing boy Baby-O. Later, they all enjoy a trip to
the park, eat a spaghetti supper, and read a bedtime story. The charming
cartoon characters are drawn with circle eyes, rosy cheeks, and upturned
noses.

Babies and toddlers will be bouncing, clapping, and laughing along to
the repertoire. Highly recommended.