Mycca's Baby

Mycca's entire family is awaiting the arrival of her Aunt Rose's baby. Grandma has prepared a room for the infant to sleep in while Rose is working. She has even washed and ironed Rose's old baby clothes for the child. Mycca is very excited about having a new cousin, but more than anything she wants a baby who will really belong to her. She tries to convince her parents that they, too, need a new baby, but Mama and Papa say they have enough children. Papa tells Mycca that she can share Rose's baby, which does not appease her. Finally, Rose gives birth to a baby girl, Serenity. When she arrives home from the hospital, the grownups crowd around the newborn, and Mycca feels left out. Then Rose places Serenity in Mycca's arms, and immediately the girl knows that this baby may belong to Rose and her husband, but it is hers as well. Byers's lyrical text conveys the love and willingness to share in this appealing extended family. Tamura's folk-art paintings are striking, and add to the book's graceful, Old World quality. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)