Wilson-Max (Tickle Tickle) transforms O'Connell's onomatopoeic baby sounds into the rhythmic accompaniment to a toddler's daily routine. He begins with the endpapers, portraying the baby in his or her car seat with its own steering wheel, on which "the baby goes Beep" as the father drives. For the most part, the artist's paintings effortlessly connect the scenes, as the baby goes from car to house "beep beep[ing]" the father's nose. When "the baby goes Splash," using a spoon to send food flying over high chair, bib and face, the artist makes a smooth transition to the tub on the next spread, where "the baby goes Splash Splash Splash Splash"; whale, frog, ducks, ball and boat float merrily alongside the now squeaky-clean star. After a "Smooch" goodnight, the baby goes "Shh" in the crib alongside a tuckered out mother and father. But the parting scene shows that Baby is just getting started (standing up, wide awake in the crib). All babies will recognize the important elements of their day in these energetic scenes, and should chime right in with the familiar sounds. Ages 6 mos.-3 yrs. (Sept.)
