On Baba's back

Dubuc (Little Cheetah's Shadow) keeps this warmhearted story simple and focused: Koko is a young koala who does everything on Baba's back, as baby koalas do, while Baba comically withstands myriad caretaking indignities. Dubuc draws the child clinging to Baba's gray fur and supplies a lighthearted list of all the things Koko does there. When "Koko eats on Baba's back," delighted readers may ask where Koko got that very tiny pink ice cream cone, which drips on the elder koala's forehead. Next, "Koko plays on Baba's back," bouncing a ball off Baba's head. And in a moment of hilarity, "Oops! Koko pees on Baba's back" as Baba turns open-mouthed in consternation at the little yellow puddle. ("Koko takes a bath on Baba's back" follows.) Determined to pursue some butterflies, "one day, Koko wants to choose where they go," and a small-scale rebellion occurs as the youth at last leaves the safety of Baba's body. It's a small but primal conflict that resolves with satisfaction as Koko finds adventure, then returns without incident. A subtly slapstick board book for the very smallest readers, and a good beginning reader, too. Ages 1--4. (Jan.)

Koalas Koko and Baba are always together until one day Koko ventures off alone. Much like their human child-caregiver counterparts, little Koko is always with Baba. Koko does everything--playing, bathing, even ("Oops!") peeing--on Baba's back, until one day, curiously eyeing some butterflies, Koko jumps off and adventures solo. Dubuc is careful to convey that the exploration is successful and also that Koko climbs right back on Baba's back when bedtime comes. This boomerang of child independence and caregiver dependence is simply and sweetly done. Koko's moment of joy at the freedom to explore is captured with rosy cheeks and open arms, Baba's pride drawn to match. Caregivers will smile at all of Koko's childlike characteristics, from the "play" that results in a ball bouncing off Baba's head to Koko's repeatedly nagging "There!" at the sight of the butterflies. The repetitive nature of the sentence structure makes it a perfect fit for lap reading with an infant or toddler. There are no gendered pronouns for either character. The pencil-and-watercolor illustrations give the koalas and their habitat a soft, inviting look--a fitting complement to the story. This sweet board book is sure to provide readers and little listeners with two separate yet connected takeaways. Charming illustrations with a simple story that resonates. (Board book. 1-3) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.