Jesus Loves Me!

Now available as a board book, Warnes's interpretation of the popular hymn racks up big points for its beguiling watercolors of a friendly bear family whose straightforward piety is rooted in the affection among parents and child. Young audiences will gravitate to the cozy scenes: a parent encircles the cub in his arms to read in bed from “My First Bible,” the bears dye Easter eggs (“as He loved so long ago”), garden, make gingerbread bears and roast marshmallows, among many enviable activities that frequently show them in tune with the natural world. Rounded corners and padded covers make this volume extra-safe; gilt edging cues in kids to its special contents. Ages 2-5. (Jan.)