DARCY AND GRAN DON'T LIKE BABIES

Like many newly upstaged children, Darcy isn't much interested in her baby sibling, for the familiar reasons: his smell, his attention-grabbing ways. But she has an unusual ally: a grandmother who sums up her own dislike for babies in similar terms. After an outing when they swing and enjoy other activities unsuited to babies, Darcy can begin to imagine a time when she won't mind—might even like—her new brother. Ryan's pictures add some gleeful mischief, especially in the park scenes; and while Gran is given to understatement, there's reassurance in her gestures and expressions. But the layout flounders when an entire dialogue is illustrated with the two sitting silently; and though the sentiments are good-hearted, the repetitive phrasing feels forced. In a crowded field, with such treats as Henkes's Julius, Baby of the World available, an acceptable additional offering. (Picture book. 3-7)