School Library Journal Review
The spontaneity and delight of play is captured perfectly in this trio of multigenerational, multiracial ``love stories'' about three pairs of babies and their grown-ups. Told in a natural, colloquial tone, the simple, engaging text is finely honed with a rhythm that is musical. The style is as buoyant and infectious as the actions described: ``Little Guy's daddy has to run like anything just to catch that baby up.'' Williams carries the same basic framework and language through each story, generating the repetition that is so satisfying to very young listeners, while the stories and characters maintain their own distinctions. Just as she celebrates universality within the text, Williams presents diversity with characteristic flair within her illustrations. Little Guy and his father are white, Little Pumpkin is African-American and her grandmother is white, and Little Bird and her mother are both Asian-American. Natural and unforced, Williams' choices are an accurate reflection of American society, but are noteworthy in their representation in books for this age group. Uncluttered, yet filled with movement, the splashy, vibrant paintings in gouache feature vigorous portraits and large, clearly defined objects set against a textured expanse of sweeping brushstrokes. The text appears in rainbow-hued letters within the illustrations, adding to the appealing design. Although it is a fine vehicle for toddler storytimes, the real strength of this book lies in the intimacy achieved when it is shared one-on-one between babies and adults or older siblings. A joyous expression of verbal and physical affection, these are truly love stories for our times. More, more, more . . . --Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Lib . , CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
This trio of gentle vignettes shows three toddlers gathered up and cuddled by grownups. The pages reverberate with bright colors and vigorous forms, and the rhythmic language begs to be read aloud. Young listeners are sure to wiggle with delight at all the many ways their favorite grownups have of saying 'I love you.' From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Three wonderfully simple vignettes that speak volumes through their juxtaposition. As narrated in the playful, repetitious language of a parent with a beloved child, blond Little Guy's blond daddy catches him, swings him about, and kisses his bellybutton until Little Guy laughs, ""More. . .More""--as does brown Little Pumpkin, after her blond grandma chases her, ""brings that baby right up close and tastes each of Little Pumpkin's toes."" And even drowsy Little Bird wakes enough to murmur, ""Mmm. Mmmm. Mmmm"" when her mama kisses her and tucks her in. This joyful, unabashed affection is illustrated in the brilliant colors that appeal especially to infants; even the rainbow--bright lettering is harmoniously hand-colored. Perfect to share at bedtime with baby or toddler. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Ages 2-4. Baby love streams through the pages of a gleeful picture book that revels in the spontaneous teasing affection that doting parents and grandparents lavish on their little ones. Meet Little Guy, whose daddy has to run like anything to catch him up, toss him in the air, give his belly button a kiss, and then laugh as Little Guy says, "More. More. More." There's also Little Pumpkin, whose grandma catches her up for a nose rub, a swing all around, and some tickly toe-kissing, again to a chorus of "More. More. More." Williams' descriptions are sparely worded but disarmingly direct and poetic. Her pictures are simply composed but full of lavish color play: pinks, purples, and blues are the rule, with healthy doses of yellow or green for satisfying contrast. Fun-filled and warm, this celebrates the joy that babies generate among those who love them. ~--Denise Wilms