BABY PLAY / JUGANDO CON BEBÉ

This bilingual board book, one of a set, explores the everyday world of babies.

Sweet black-and-white photos of racially diverse tots and their caregivers are framed with a touch of color. The simple, patterned text opposite each picture is presented in both English and Spanish, the Spanish text matching the color of the photograph’s frame, and the English text always black. Bold, high-contrast graphics with a touch of color surround the framed text. The total effect results in a pleasing and baby-friendly composition. Babies are shown playing together, dancing, stacking blocks, swinging, splashing, popping soap bubbles, laughing, and finally waving “bye-bye!...¡Despídete!” In companion title Baby Dream / Soñando con bebé, by Sunny Scribens, the babies end their days by cuddling and snuggling, looking at books, listening to a song, stretching and yawning, and finally peacefully sleeping. Baby Food / Comiendo con bebé, by Stefanie Paige Wieder, depicts tots feeding themselves, sipping from a cup, drinking from a bottle, nursing, making a sweet mess, and asking for more. Each title is also published in an English-only edition. In all, the text will please the adult readers; the charming photos will attract the young audience.

There’s little new or novel here, it’s all but sweet enough.