Babies!

There are a number of good books for toddlers and preschoolers whose lives are about to be invaded by a new baby in the house, but most of these are picture books or fiction. Patent has composed a straightforward work of nonfiction, accompanied by full-color photographs, that will surely answer most of the questions older siblings have about babies. The first run-through of this title will probably be just to look at the pictures of babies, scrawny or chubby; the second time around, adults and children can share the text. There aren't many reference books that can legitimately include a photograph of a baby in a bathtub, but this one does, and so it becomes a handy book to have around the house; Babies! is a primer of information, matter-of-factly set forth in a most appealing fashion. Ages 6-9. (April)