Baby's World

Crisp and colorful photographs, most often set against a plain white background, illuminate this compendium of the people, objects and activities that fill a baby's universe. Spreads are arranged by topic--``Me,'' ``In My Room,'' ``My Clothes'' and so on--and each contains a myriad of familiar things to name and point to. The child models here invariably appear inquisitive and personable, although some are close to the stage where the appellation ``baby'' no longer applies. Although this may be an engaging inventory for babies and younger toddlers, its freshness is questionable. Layout and design, but for the presence of the young models, are virtually identical to those employed in Knopf's Eyewitness series and Random House's My First Look At books, all (like Baby's World ) packaged by London's Dorling Kindersley. Furthermore, Shott's work is extremely close in both concept and organization to Janet and Allen Ahlberg's The Baby's Catalogue . This latter book, with its creators' distinctive art, contains a generous measure of wit and whimsy that Shott's photographs, for all their friendliness, lack; it is the warmer, more affectionate work, and remains the classic in the field. Ages 1-3. (Oct.)