Dear Baby : A Love Letter to Little Ones

Rosenthal, who earlier collaborated with her mother Amy Krouse Rosenthal on Dear Girl, and her father Jason Rosenthal on Dear Boy, here offers epistolary advice for new babies. Some guidance feels cliched (“Never be afraid to break down walls and build bridges.”); others offer moral direction (“There are many ways to say thank you. Try them all.”); and a few celebrate laughter and silliness (“Wiggle and giggle like no one is watching . . . even if someone is watching.”)

Hatam’s digital, cartoon-style art echoes the playful tone of Rosenthal’s text. Unlike the earlier titles, in Dear Baby, each spread depicts a baby of a different ethnicity, and, in many cases, the adults associated with these babies have varied skin tones as well. The illustrations are uncluttered (many without backgrounds), focusing on the children and their activities. Hatam is particularly adept at extending the sometimes-pedestrian text; the spread accompanying “It’s okay to make mistakes…”, for example, features spilled paint, handprints on the walls, and a baby now imprinting her fingers on paper.

Although the sentiments expressed in Dear Baby, are more likely to resonate with new, first-time parents than young children, any book by Rosenthal is sure to generate high demand.