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Alborough, Jez Hug 32 pp. Candlewick ISBN 0-7636-1287-1 14.99
(4) Accompanied by an array of friendly animals, a young chimpanzee in need of a hug searches the jungle for his mother. The minimal text-three words repeated in different contexts-isn't very effective, but the lively, expressive illustrations invite participation in the construction of the story. Young listeners will readily sympathize with the little chimp's satisfyingly resolved dilemma.
Aliki All by Myself! 32 pp. HarperCollins ISBN 0-06-028929-5 14.95 LE ISBN 0-06-028930-9 14.89
(2) Succinct rhyming descriptions set the brisk pace in this enthusiastic picture book that zips along with a little boy as he goes about his day. Aliki leaves ample white space for the boy to perform his feats and lets his dog and cat make more frequent appearances than his parents, furthering the satisfying impression that he is accomplishing everything on his own. Review 9/00.
Anholt, Laurence Sophie and the New Baby 32 pp. Whitman ISBN 0-8075-7550-X 15.95
(4) Illustrated by Catherine Anholt. Sophie eagerly waits through spring, summer, and fall for the baby her parents tell her will be born in the winter. Once he arrives, however, Sophie finds that a real baby is quite different from the rag doll she's been practicing with. The story is a bit too long (especially for younger listeners), but Sophie's feelings are convincingly portrayed. The warm, reassuring illustrations highlight the changing seasons.
Arnold, Katya That Apple Is Mine! 32 pp. Holiday ISBN 0-8234-1629-1 15.95
(2) Katya Arnold retells a story from Russian writer Vladimir Suteev with plenty of vigor and humor. Hare jumps to reach an apple, but it's too high. Crow laughs and flies off with the apple, only to drop it on Hedgehog, who catches it on his quills. Wise as Solomon, Bear declares each claimant worthy of a slice of the apple. Arnold's lively animals in strong, black lines equal the energy of her young audience. Review 1/01.
Arnosky, Jim A Manatee Morning 32 pp. Simon isBN 0-689-81604-9 16.00
(3) This simple story describes a few basic attributes of these "gentle giants" and follows the activities of one manatee mother and her offspring. Despite occasional lapses in meter, the rhyming text rolls along, capturing the close relationship between cow and calf, as do the...