Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
An assortment of animal mothers share doting messages with their young in this affectionate story. Starting and ending with a tan-skinned human infant and mom, the book otherwise imagines the kinds of caring comments that might be made by 11 species--kangaroo, porcupine, rhino, tiger, whale, and more. Bunting articulates the unique attributes of each creature via rhyming couplets, which also frequently stress the mothers' awareness of youth's ephemerality. "Soon, I know, you'll fly away./ Till then we'll cherish every day./ I'll bring you bugs to make you strong/ and sing you songs the whole day long," chirps a bird as it feeds a grasshopper to some open-beaked hatchlings. Ishida's luminous, full-spread renderings gently support Bunting in exploring parent-baby bonding. Back matter includes animal facts and photographs. Ages 5--6. (Mar.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Baby-Toddler--This bright, engaging book highlighting a mother's love will keep a baby's and a toddler's attention. Although it begins and ends with a human mother and baby, Bunting has also written humorous rhyming verse about animal baby and mama pairs: "My darling little porcupine, your quills are soft, but they'll be fine. They'll soon be sharp, and that's okay. We'll hug each other anyway." Ishida's soft, cuddly images will warm mama and baby readers alike, while Bunting's soothing rhymes are sure to be a favorite refrain before bed. Back matter includes photographs and facts about each animal featured in the story. VERDICT Recommended for purchase.--Kristy Pasquariello
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A sweet animal book spotlights mothers' loving dedication to their children. Just as human babies need continual attention, baby animals have a variety of needs and must learn different skills to survive and thrive. Narrated in rhyming quatrains in the voice of a mother reassuring her infant, the text celebrates the unique bond between a mama and her young while highlighting specific characteristics and abilities of various animal species. On the opening double-page spread, a human mother promises that "I'll take care of you" as she marvels at the tiny hands and feet of her bundle of joy. A she-cat vows to share a cozy bed with her kitten. A mother bird assures her hungry nestlings that she will feed them bugs "to make you strong." An alligator mom will teach her little ones to snap their jaws and use their little claws. A rhino will learn confidence from a nurturing mum: "Your skin is wrinkled just a bit. / Another month and it will fit. / Not everyone will look at you / and think you're pretty, but I do." Emotive full-bleed illustrations in glowing hues accentuate the tenderness of maternal love. The backmatter includes interesting facts about the 10 featured animals and photos of them. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An informative baby-animal book in which mothers are revered and applauded. (Informational picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
