Animal Babies Like to Play

In an alphabet book that takes place in an airy woodland setting, babies dress in footsie-style animal costumes. The babies—more distinguishable by their costumes than by their similar facial features—appear playing games, singly or in groups, joyful or feeling gloomy. A “fox baby” is seen walking a dachshund across a small bridge. In a little boat on a small pond, a “monkey baby makes a wish. Narwhal baby catches fish” (the fishing line is tied to the narwhal’s horn), and an “iguana baby” with spikes from head to tail laments his fallen ice cream. Adams makes playful use of alliteration in her verse, while the nifty animal costumes may provide readers with creative inspiration. Ages 4–8. [em](Feb.) [/em]