Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Of the 47 poems for babies and toddlers in this small, square hardback approximately half are new, the remainder are traditional nursery rhymes. There are four sections, the final one of lullabies, each with an introductory blank (almost) page to personalise with your baby's photo. Actions are suggested to accompany some of the poems and the mood is one of participatory playfulness. Some poems, 'More Car' for instance, remind me of young children's own early language play, and some trip off the tongue more easily than others: I had to read 'Peep Boo!!' several times before getting it right! Walsh's gentle pencil and watercolour illustrations (which remind one rather of Charlotte Voake) reflect our multi-racial society - albeit somewhat cosily. The numerous images of infants and others are diverting and the overall page design is varied and consistently pleasing. Although clearly aimed at babies and their carers this book would also be enjoyed by their slightly older brothers and sisters, either at home or school.