Baby's World

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Crisp and colorful photographs, most often set against a plain white background, illuminate this compendium of the people, objects and activities that fill a baby's universe. Spreads are arranged by topic--``Me,'' ``In My Room,'' ``My Clothes'' and so on--and each contains a myriad of familiar things to name and point to. The child models here invariably appear inquisitive and personable, although some are close to the stage where the appellation ``baby'' no longer applies. Although this may be an engaging inventory for babies and younger toddlers, its freshness is questionable. Layout and design, but for the presence of the young models, are virtually identical to those employed in Knopf's Eyewitness series and Random House's My First Look At books, all (like Baby's World ) packaged by London's Dorling Kindersley. Furthermore, Shott's work is extremely close in both concept and organization to Janet and Allen Ahlberg's The Baby's Catalogue . This latter book, with its creators' distinctive art, contains a generous measure of wit and whimsy that Shott's photographs, for all their friendliness, lack; it is the warmer, more affectionate work, and remains the classic in the field. Ages 1-3. (Oct.)

School Library Journal

PreS-- Beautifully photographed and well designed, this catalogue of a child's everyday experiences and equipment is right on target for little ones becoming aware of the world around them. Nineteen double-page spreads on sturdy, toddler-proof paper label objects or activities likely to be encountered by this age group, from ``Me,'' in which body parts are identified, to ``In the Garden,'' which includes items such as a shovel and a wheelbarrow. In some of the layouts, brightly colored and easily recognized objects against a white backdrop create a visual unit. In others, multiracial children of both genders engage in everyday activities, adding immediacy. However, although unexpected camera angles offer fresh perspectives on ordinary items, some of the overhead shots make identification of the items challenging. In the ``Things to Eat'' section, glasses of milk and juice appear to be circles of orange and white and may require prompting to be correctly named. Also, a few European terms--``crackers'' for ``cookies'' and ``sleep suit'' for ``pajamas''--may require interpretation. Neither of these flaws are insurmountable since show-and-name books such as this are usually shared by adults and children. A book that is well composed and artfully styled. --Dorothy Houlihan, White Plains Pub . Lib . , NY