HATHORN, Libby (text) Tamsin Ainslie (illus.) A Baby for Loving Little Hare, 2014 unpaged $24.95 ISBN 9781921894671 SCIS 1666614
The aim of every picture book is a perfect marriage of text and illustration which is exactly what Libby Hathorn and Tamsin Ainslie have achieved here. The title encapsulates the theme of the joy that a baby creates in a family, in this case a family of bears. The events that occur every day will be recognised by the very young, from waking up, to playing with a big sister, and receiving constant hugs, cuddles and kisses. The text is presented in simple rhyming couplets with lots of onomatopoetic words that emphasise the actions and emotions being described and that will delight children. The depiction of the bears is superb, their various expressions conveyed with just a few lines. Each double-page spread includes the sort of small humorous details that young children love to find. Pink and blue endpapers exemplify the careful thought that has been invested in this memorable picture book. Ages 1-4.
reviewed by Elizabeth Douglas