American Babies (Global Fund for Children Books)
*Starred Review* A companion volume to Global Babies, which appeared on the 2008 Notable Children’s Book’s List, this appealing board book offers 17 close-up photos of babies. Like the previous volume, this has a brief text, really a single sentence divided into phrases: “All across this land, / from sea to shining sea / curious babies / explore their world, / laughing and playing, / spreading joy, sharing hope, / surrounded by love.” From the Hawaiian child on the cover to the African-American girl on the last page, all the babies pictured are beyond early infancy. Their expressive faces and emotions are as varied as their family backgrounds, surroundings, and activities. One baby plays with his feet, another laughs at falling leaves, while another attempts to bite into an apple. The pleasing layout places each colorful, full-page photo opposite a page with a slightly smaller photo and large-type text on its bright, solid-color border. It’s well known that young children like to look at faces and at other children, but adults will find these fine photos equally captivating. That’s a strong recommendation for a board book, which must stand up to multiple readings. From its inviting cover to the hug implied at the end, here’s a beautiful book to share with babies and toddlers. Preschool. --Carolyn Phelan