McClure, Nikki. In. illus. by Nikki McClure. 36p. Abrams/Appleseed. 2015. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781419714863.

Toddler to K –A pensive boy declares, “I only want to stay in./In my pajamas./Inside./In. In. In.” He is content to play with his small toy giraffe and his big imagination. A wicker laundry basket has the possibilities to become a rocket ship to “innerspace,” a hot-air balloon, or a simple reading space. He explores all the ways he can be in, like milk in tea and reading books in laps. Soon in leads to out via playing in the rain to the joy of outdoor exploration: “Now I only want to/stay out./Outside. Outdoors./Out. Out. Out.” Among the trees he waits to see owls. The day comes to a close, and it’s time again to be in, now in a nice warm bed. Junior ornithologists are rewarded at the book’s end with an illustrated map of the owls featured within; it identifies 35 varieties. The distinct illustrations are constructed with black cut paper against white and yellow, creating a clean and appealing result. VERDICT The coziness and intimacy of childhood will reverberate with children and adults alike.–Laura Hunter, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

BLAKE, Stephanie. Poop-di-doop. illus. by Stephanie Blake. 40p. NorthSouth. 2015. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9780735842045.

Corderoy, Tracey. I Want My Daddy! illus. by Alison Edgson. 32p. Tiger Tales. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781589251779. McAllister, Margaret. 15 Things Not to Do with a Baby. illus. by Holly Sterling. 28p. Frances Lincoln/Janetta Otter-Barry Bks. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781847805065. Massini, Sarah. Love Always Everywhere. illus. by Sarah Massini. 32p. Random. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780385375528; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780375982064. LC 2014017168. Ritchie, Alison. The Tortoise and the Hare. illus. by Nahta Nój. 32p. Candlewick/Templar. May 2015. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763676018. LC 2014939365. Robaard, Jedda. The Little Mouse Who Lost Her Squeak. illus. by Jedda Robaard. 12p. little bee. 2015. Tr $7.99. ISBN 9781499800029. Rosen, Michael. The Bus Is for Us. illus. by Gillian Tyler. 32p. Candlewick. Apr. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763669836. LC 2013944138. Winthrop, Elizabeth. Lucy and Henry Are Twins. illus. by Jane Massey. 24p. ebook available. Amazon/Two Lions. Jun. 2015. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781477826294.