cover image My Baby Brother

My Baby Brother

Harriet Hains. DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley), $9.95 (21pp) ISBN 978-1-879431-76-8

Photos are creatively superimposed against uncomplicated background art in these inaugural volumes of the Starting Out series. A note to parents on the two title pages explains that the books are designed to help the very young ``welcome a new brother or a new sister'' and ``develop a sense of responsibility toward a new pet.'' With their concise yet perky texts and consistently clear, endearing photos, both books achieve these goals easily. Each spread introduces a different aspect of helping to care for or play with either a baby or a puppy. In the first title, Emma feeds her younger brother lunch, plays with him outdoors, hosts a tea party with their teddies and oversees bath and bedtime activities. In the second, Jack takes his frisky golden retriever for a walk, then cleans him up and feeds him. Singularly engaging children--and one adorable puppy--make these beautifully produced books especially appealing. Ages 3-6. (May)