Sally Rippin: Go Baby Go!

How about a fresh board book from Australia? With the simple injunction to "Go, baby, go," totz will be introduced to locomotion and Australian animals.

Publisher Allen & Unwin paired Sally Rippin's simple text with Ann James' energetic, loose illustrations in what I believe are grease pencil and watercolor wash. It's the latter which captures my attention as verbs like wriggle, sit up, and travel are explored. Ann's lines are incredibly expressive.

The inclusion of a koala, turtle, and joey help to make this collaboration stand out from the crowd. Travel down under and enjoy totz as loveable as your own in Go Baby Go! 


Go Baby Go!
by Sally Rippin
illustrations by Ann James
Allen & Unwin, Australia, 2008

Bibs and Boots: Alison Lester

A darling set of books by Alison Lester from Allen & Unwin are available to engage your totz. The charming small board books have a retro 80s feel with spot illustrations, borders, and delicate watercolors. Bibs and Boots, Happy and Sad, and Crashing and Splashing make the full collection. Bibs and Boots is my favorite of the three.

What do we wear for different activities? Your bib for "nibbles and dribbles," your best clothes for a party, and a hat for a hot day. Of course, we need our pajamas to end the book and the day itself.

The light illustrations remind me of Helen Oxenbury in a smaller format with a broader setting. Alison Lester has created over 25 picture books. The copyright on these is 1989, however, the first printing in this format was 2008. Hailing from Austraila, we tip our hat to Alison and all she's contributed to children's lit for totz!

Bibs and Boots
Alison Lester
Allen & UnwinPty Ltd, Sydney, 2008