From the Publisher
Carry me. Sing to me. Talk to me. These are the things that you bring to me. If a baby could talk, that is what she would say. New parents consult every kind of self-help book to research what they should do to show love for a child. They should buy this book instead.
Child Magazine
Three lilting poems pay tribute to a baby's basic needs: "Carry Me!," "Talk to Me!," and "Sing to Me!" Each captures the little moments so dear to children's hearts: "Carry me up the stairs and down./Hold me while you get dressed for town." Tender scenes, such as a mama rabbit cuddling her bunny while primping for a night out, are winsomely rendered by Wells, the acclaimed creator of those other famous hares, Max and Ruby. (ages 1 to 4)
The March 2006 issue of Child magazine
Publishers Weekly
Wells's devoted fans will clamor for her latest title, starring her beloved bunnies in soft, pastel watercolors. This time she trades in her usual prose for poetry-perfectly paced for short attention spans. Each of the three poems is aimed at toddlers learning to assert themselves. In "Carry Me!," Wells sets familiar scenes to the tune of melodious verse ("Carry me up the stairs and down./ Hold me while you get dressed for town"). The illustrations convey the perspective of a young child with an overactive imagination, as Wells pictures the extraordinary in mundane objects (the mother's dressing table as she puts on lipstick; a stuffed toy propped against a backyard tree), and readers will feel as if they can stroke the characters' fur, so carefully is each watercolor brushstroke applied. In "Talk to Me!," a butterfly entering a child's room is cause for utter fascination. At the same time, Wells masterfully balances excitement with calming moments ("Open the window to hear the train./ Close the window against the rain"). Her last poem may well inspire youngsters to follow its directive ("Sing to Me!"), as it celebrates the four seasons via song and dance-and a dash of whimsical surprise ("The old song we know/ About the Wild Winter Wizard/ With his beard full of blizzard"). Ages 6 mos.-4 yrs. (Jan.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Beverley Fahey
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Children's Literature
This book can be summed up in one word—irresistible! It includes three delightful, lyrical poems: "Carry Me!" "Talk to Me!" and "Sing to Me!" Each expresses a small bunny's desire to have his every need attended to. In "Carry Me," Bunny wants to be held to watch out the window for Daddy coming home, or to be cuddling with Mom "while you get dressed for town," or falling asleep under the stars safe in his parents' arms. In "Talk To Me," this little rabbit is eager to learn and talk about everything from the "sun circles on my floor" to "how many shoes are on my feet." In "Sing to Me!" Bunny welcomes the seasons: winter with his "beard full of blizzard" and spring with a hum along song. In summer "we'll hop like lightening bugs" and in autumn he will "dance so free, /Like stars in the grass we will be." Wells' warm watercolors evoke the beauty of nature, from the seasons to the night sky, and the parents and child express emotions of joy, love, and concern. Each illustration is neatly framed, drawing the eye to discover the detail within. Filled with exuberance, quiet times, reassurance, and fulfilled desires, this is a perfect gift for new parents and a wonderful bedtime share. 2006, Hyperion Books, Ages 2 to 6.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1-Sweet, signature watercolors highlight three poems told from a small bunny's point of view. "Carry Me!" "Talk to Me!" and "Sing to Me!" express the animal's desires: to be held close by a loving parent, read to, sung to, and told stories. Each picture, mainly in soft pastel hues, exemplifies a moment of shared happiness between child and parents. The paintings, generally one to a page, are on a background of white and are framed with a simple blue line. The book speaks for all young children who yearn to be included in their parents' lives. The lucky bunny in this book is well loved by patient, caring adults and appears to be the center of their world.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Three beautiful poems perfectly capture the essence of a curious toddler and his desire to know about the world and share it with those he loves best. Wells's toddler spells out what every child needs most-love, security, knowledge and joy. And the route to these? "Carry Me! . . . Carry me over to hear the bees. / Stuff my pocket with early peas." "Talk to Me! . . . Green apple, sour. / Red apple, sweet. / How many shoes are on my feet?" "Sing to Me! . . . If you don't recall the words, / We'll ask the hummingbirds, / They're sure to know." Wells's illustrations evoke the special bond between parent and child, found in the everyday, ordinary moments. No parent will be able to read this and feel that his/her aching left arm or scratchy voice is without purpose. Wells's latest should be required reading for all new parents-such a simple and inexpensive recipe to create a happy child. (Picture book. 0-4)
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