You and Me, Baby

Writing in the past tense and addressing a child in a tone of wonder, Saeed highlights maternal bonds via this simple chronicle of early parenthood. The book opens with the moment when the speaker “became a mom,/ and you, my baby,” as lines note the relationship’s newness and sensitively express a common concern: “How would I perfectly care/ for a perfect baby like you?” As the narrator recounts moments of responsive caregiving, action-oriented prose takes over: “You fussed/ and I fed you.” Glenn’s mellow-feeling digital renderings employ pastel hues and sinuous lines, while pale stars shimmer around caretakers connecting with infants and toddlers. As images show the achievement of actions such as crawling and standing, text turns proactively supportive, observing the never-ending learning process of being a parent and closing with a cheerleading sentiment: “You’ll teach me/ and I’ll teach you.” Figures are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 2–5. (Jan.)