Emma's Elephant: And Other Favorite Animal Friends

Ellwand (The Big Book of Beautiful Babies) captures 15 shared moments between a child and a beloved animal in sumptuous black-and-white photographs. Sometimes it is a moment of subtle triumph, as when ""Bella's beautiful butterfly"" alights on Bella's nose. Sometimes it is a moment of exuberance, as when Carla, in a flapper-like hat and striped overalls, strokes her ""cute calf."" Most of the animals are well known, but may not be ones children could easily view up close (e.g., ""Simon's slithery snake,"" ""Terry's terrific turkey""). But there's also the familiar cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig and a particularly innovative photograph of Gordon with two ""glittering goldfish"" seemingly swimming in air in front of his face. Cleverly composed endpapers show ""outtakes"" as well as photos included in the book. Although the alliterative text can seem forced, each of the photos is a small feat, and a testimony to Ellwand's skill and patience. Ages 1-4. (Aug.)