Mommy Loves Her Baby/Daddy Loves His Baby
PreSchool-This delightfully sentimental concept book is perfect for sharing. Read one way,  a mother's love for her child is likened to the way "fishies love the seas, like the monkeys love  bananas and the squirrels love the trees." The animal comparisons continue with sliding penguins,  giggling hyenas, roaring lions, peeping chicks, and more. When the book is reversed, the  whimsical rhymes continue and listeners will hear how Daddy loves his baby "like the leopards  love to pounce, like the bumblebees love buzzing and the bunnies love to bounce." Both texts end  with the statement that Mommy or Daddy loves baby because it is "the sweetest little, cutest  little YOU!" Beeke's watercolor animal creations help keep the sweetness in check. The playful  animals are content and friendly (though the snapping gator does have a mischievous gleam).  Kittens cuddle, and a mother bear gazes fondly at her sleeping cubs. Cozy domesticity reigns  throughout, starting with a toddler in a hooded bathrobe on the title page. This is a striking  book, making full use of Beeke's warm palette and creatively fresh perspectives. Preschoolers and  their caregivers will find many things to enjoy in this charming picture book.Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.