DADDY AND I...
by Eloise Greenfield & illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist
The best of four board books by a Coretta Scott King Award team. The small boy who narrates describes a happy day helping Daddy—laundry, cleaning, etc.—varied with a ball game, a book, and an affectionate hug. Poet Greenfield's language is straightforward but graceful; Gilchrist's illustrations are a little clumsy here, but do convey the pair's warmth and sense of purpose. Of the other titles, I Make Music has the strongest text; Big Friend, Little Friend is an adequate concept book; and My Doll, Keshia suggests a parenting role model. None of these is ideal—all are slight and undemanding; still, they meet a real need for simple books about African-Americans. (Picture book. 1- 6)