Baby Happy Baby Sad  by Leslie Patricelli  (2008)

Each spread in this board back has the words “Baby Happy” on one side and “Baby Sad” on the other.  The pictures show exactly why Baby feels that way.  “Baby Happy” holds an ice cream cone; Baby sad watches it “splat” on the ground.  He’s happy in the mud, sad in the tub.  Illustrations are extremely effective, with thick black lines and a very expressive baby.  They’ll carry fine with a group.  Since the text doesn’t change, it’s almost impossible to read this without talking about the pictures and discussing why Baby is happy or sad.  An excellent choice to demonstrate to parents how even the youngest talkers can practice narrative skills. 

- Steven Engelfried