Where's the Baby?

Singer/songwriter Paxton follows up his most recent picture book for the very young ( The Animals' Lullabye ) with another tranquil bedtime story. His verse poses a guessing game of sorts: ``Where's the baby? In the car? / Is she traveling very far? / Sitting there in her own car seat? / Honking her horn on Maple Street?'' As such, it chronicles a day's repertoire of baby activities--exploring cupboards, riding in the car, playing in the playpen, bathtime, storytime and, finally, bedtime. The premise may be tried but it's also true, and Paxton's rhymes have a quietly lilting quality. Graham adds interest by introducing a kitten, proposing it as the respondent to all Paxton's questions. Each full spread serves as a sprawling canvas, filled with Graham's uncluttered, lustrous paintings of an orderly world, serene and desirable. Ages 2-up. (Aug.)