ONCE I WAS . . .

This exuberant picture book features rhyming couplets that celebrate growth and change. It is a good choice for reading aloud, or a begin-the-day class chant: “Once I was an alphabet, now I am a book. Once I couldn’t feed myself, now I love to cook.” Leopold captures many milestones young children will recognize. Some they have already passed, moving from infancy to childhood; some may be ahead, e.g., overcoming fear of the dark, or finding a friend. Hubbard uses complementary colors that shimmer on the page, and lively designs with a rhythm and movement all their own. A brave and fetching book, destined for repeat readings, destined to be loved. (Picture book. 5-8)