Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Jane Dyer

When my sister, brother and I was young, I remember my mother always reciting nursery rhymes to us, so that by the time I was 5, I could recite them myself.  I loved those rhymes.  And so did my daughter when I recited them to her.  The only problem was knowing a limited number of these little pleasing poems.

Well, now two grandmothers who understand how delightful poems can be for young children have put together a book of rhymes, perfect for babies and toddlers.  There are some old Mother Goose favorites throughout the book, but most of the poems are written by Jane Yolen.  The poems are themed around a baby's life and include poems about kisses, belly buttons, naps, piggyback rides, even just holding a grownups hand.  The rhymes are short, as, for example "Baby has the Wiggles"

Baby has the wiggles,

Baby can't sit still,

Baby has the giggles,

Baby has a will.

Jane Dyer has done all the illustrations and they have a real old fashioned feel to them.  Dyer's illustrations always make me happy when I see them, and Wee Rhymes was not exception.  Whimsically done in pencil and watercolors in pastel hues, I was really, really pleased to see the diversity of the kids Dyer's portrays, making it so appealing to all readers.  There are white kids, African American kids, Latino kids, and Asian kids, sometimes alone, sometimes with family and sometimes playing together, as in this wonderful two page spread:

If you are looking for a baby shower gift, a birthday gift for a child or just because you think your own kids would like a nice poetry book, this is one you might want to seriously consider.  And it would be especially appropriate this month since April is National Poetry Month.

This book is recommended for babies, toddlers and children of all ages.

This book was purchased as a baby gift for a friend (but I read it, too)