Baby Loves Spring!: A Karen Katz Lift-the-Flap Book (Karen Katz Lift-the-Flap Books)
Baby Loves Spring!Karen Katz. Little Simon, $6.99 (14p) ISBN 978-1-4424-2745-7One of Katz’s characteristically cherubic babies explores the delights of spring, ready for the inevitable spring shower in a yellow raincoat. Large flaps reveal the answers to questions like, “What is squiggling in the dirt?” (in this case, rows of “wiggly worms” smile at the girl from behind one flap). A fluffy cloud flap shows “big raindrops” as a storm rolls in (to the baby’s delight), and a resultant puddle contains “Funny little frogs! Croak! Croak!” Katz’s crayon accents and cheery collages deliver an uplifting and accessible primer on the season for inquisitive toddlers.--Publishers Weekly, December 12, 2011BABY LOVES SPRING!Author: Katz, KarenIllustrator: Katz, KarenReview Issue Date: July 1, 2012Online Publish Date: June 13, 2012Publisher:Simon & SchusterPages: 14Price ( Hardcover ): $6.99Publication Date: January 1, 2012ISBN ( Hardcover ): 978-1-4424-2745-7Category: Picture BooksA toddler in bright red galoshes and a rubber-duck yellow raincoat splashes through her world.Her yard is her domain. All by herself, the little one peers behind or jumps through the lush outdoors, abetted by sturdy-enough flaps. “What is squiggling in the dirt? / [lift flap] Here are some wiggly worms!” Other flaps offer surprises best viewed from a distance; leaves cover robins in the tree, and the rain falls from behind the cloud. The final spread opens the gate and shows everything uncovered previously. The little tyke’s exuberance is convincingly childlike: “Oh no! Those are big raindrops!” The substantial flaps are clearly identifiable and easy to manipulate for tots just gaining dexterity. The straightforward question-and-answer format invites participation as well. Bright, swirling patterns on butterflies and polka-dot frogs add a gentle whimsy. Companion Baby Loves Summer serves up fun in the sun with the delightful squirt of a hose and the same effortless interactive elements.Cheery characters in bright spring shades usher in the season. (Board book. 6 mos.-2)Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2012