THIS IS THE BABY

As this story reveals, dressing a toddler can be like performance art. “This is the baby who hates to be dressed.” The buoyant text repeats and builds on itself: “This is the diaper, often a mess, that goes on the baby who hates to be dressed.” Meanwhile, we watch Mom as she wrestles, cajoles, tumbles about, and lovingly hams it up (she wears shoes on her head). When presented with the likes of thick socks and an itchy sweater, the youngster wails, “No! No! Nooo!” At last he’s dressed; mom slumps and baby pouts. So, the little whippersnapper sets about to undo all that has been donned. When Mom reappears, bundled up, baby is at last gleeful—and naked as a jay bird. Great for the youngest toddler who’s learning names of clothing. The undressing part, though, seems to be instinct. The illustrations are lively, depicting the roly-poly tot with cheer. The colors span a broad range of super-bright paints using purples and greens to great advantage. This baby is a fun, giggly romp. (Picture book. 2-4)