Mommies and Their Babies

Animal mothers and babies—rendered in black, white, and chalky grays—are placed against b&w backgrounds, creating an eye-catching high-contrast effect. Straightforward, lower-case phrases introduce each animal pair: “the penguin mommy with her baby chick... the sheep mommy with her baby lamb.” Dutch illustrator Van Genechten incorporates textural details—the elephants’ skin looks rough and crinkly, turtle shells have a loose checkerboard pattern—creating a design that is sophisticated but fun. Available simultaneously: Daddies and Their Babies. Up to age 3. (Mar.)