Who Is the Beast?

Publishers Weekly

Two intriguing books by Keith Baker invite toddlers to see the world differently. In Who Is the Beast?, the animals of a lush, multi-patterned jungle "see his stripes, yellow and black" as well as the beast's tail, strong legs and green eyes. All clues point to the tiger, but a surprise ending imparts the gentle lesson that we are all more alike than we are different. In Quack and Count, seven ducklings splash and play in different combinations that introduce basic addition: "7 ducklings, 5 plus 2/ Playing games of peekaboo." Collage art fills the jungle and pond life scenes with a riot of colors and textures. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

A perplexed looking tiger peers out at readers from his hiding place in the jungle foliage. The pattern of the text reveals a portion of the tiger and the fear of all the animals who see him. "The beast, the beast! We must fly by!" is the refrain heard from a bird in the sky who spots tiger's tail swinging. A bumblebee sees his stripes, a frog sees his eyes, a snake takes note of his whiskers and the catfish sees his tracks. The rhythmic text and bold jungle setting really are captivating. When the tiger reaches the water, he looks and sees no beast just himself. He then backtracks and along the way sees the catfishes whiskers long and white, the snakes eyes "green and round," the frog whose legs are also "sure and strong," and of course the black and yellow stripes on the bee and a monkey with a tail that that also swings. It is a great lesson that we are all the beasts and that the parts of this magnificent tiger are reflected in parts of the other creatures who live in this dense jungle. For even more interest, Baker has hidden a snail in the scenes and they are not easy to find. A board book that will be enjoyed by children and adults; and one that makes the transition from picture to board both with ease. 2003 (orig. 1990), Red Wagon Books/Harcourt, Ages 6 mo. to 3.
— Marilyn Courtot

From the Publisher

"Baker's deceptively simple story told in rhyme is matched with rich, brilliantly colored paintings. . . . Children will enjoy the comparisons of the story as well as the beguiling illustrations."—School Library Journal

"Graced with a compelling beauty, this gifted author/illustrator's imaginative story presents a timeless message to young readers."—Publishers Weekly

"A handsome book with an appealing story and a gentle, implicit message."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)