GIANT BABY!

Babies grow so fast!

After Ezra’s parents tuck him in, his mother notes wistfully, “Our baby is getting so big.” While his parents sleep, Ezra climbs out of his crib and grows immense. He strolls outside, following the moon, which resembles a “big cup of milk.” Astounded neighbors watch as Ezra plays with cars and splashes in fountains, then chases a terrified dog. Depicted in a 90-degree book turn, Ezra cries when he realizes he’s all alone in the big city (landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty establish the setting as New York). His parents awaken, attuned to their infant’s wailing. Hearing them, Ezra stomps homeward. Mom locates her glasses and slippers as Ezra heads down his block, races up the stairs, and climbs into his crib. His parents dash toward his room—gratefully discovering their “sleeping” child. After they leave, Ezra peers at the moon, then really sleeps, dreaming of milk. Readers may chuckle at the specter of a Godzilla-size infant lording it over the neighborhood, but will youngsters old enough to follow this story relate to an infant protagonist? The story feels aimed more at adults musing on their own little ones’ growth; they’ll especially relate to Ezra’s father’s words: “He’ll always be our baby.” The witty illustrations, created with watercolor and digital methods, feature a wide-eyed, pajama-wearing, pale-skinned Ezra and parents and diverse background characters.

Fun imagery, though the story will strike a stronger chord with caregivers than with little ones.