Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book

PreS—This collection of 75 short poems spans the course of a baby's or toddler's day. From morning tickles and bounces to meals and playtime to bath and sleep, all of the rituals of the day are celebrated and cherished. Most of the poems are Yolen's own with a smattering of traditional Mother Goose verses mixed in. Many of the rhymes naturally suggest activity or interaction between readers and listeners, including bouncing, clapping, cuddling, and identifying body parts and everyday objects. ("Here we come from Dreamland,/There we go to town./Baby riding on my knee,/Up, up, up-and down"). Art done in pencil and watercolor gently features wonderfully diverse babies and toddlers. The author and illustrator provide a helpful note "from two grandmothers" about using rhymes with babies. This lovely volume will be appreciated by parents and caregivers using lap rhymes for the first time as well as those looking to expand their repertoire.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA