BABY TALK

Tender photographs depict the many ways babies and adults can communicate beyond the use of words.

In double-page spreads that juxtapose rhyming text against black-and-white photographs, babies and their adult readers are invited to explore the different ways in which people communicate. The photographs and text are surrounded by bold graphic designs, such as stars, circles, zigzag lines, and hearts, also in black and white with a small touch of color. The visual result is pleasing and baby friendly. What is especially nice about the photographs is that they depict babies and adults of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as including daddies and even a sister. The sentences unfold in a simple pattern: “I hold you tight / And you hold me”; “I look at you / And you look at me”; “I sing to you / And you sing to me.” These statements are all followed by the same refrain, “I talk to you / And you talk to me.” This second sentence on every spread points out the obvious, feels unnecessary, and drags the text down. Most babies will, as they are wont to do, focus on the images as the text floats over them.

There is nothing new here, but the photographs are very sweet and engaging. (Board book. 0-18 mos.)