Fa La La

All in all, it’s a typical and happy Christmas for Baby–and for the youngest listeners, who will giggle at Baby singing along with carolers (“LA LA LA LA!”) on the front porch, clad only in a diaper and wearing bunny slippers.

As with all of Patricelli’s board books, perfectly pitched to toddlers’ sensibilities, the straightforward text tells only part of the story. The illustrations—acrylics using simple shapes and bold black outlines against vibrant monochromatic backgrounds—fill in the rest by adding lots of personality and humor that can be appreciated both by squirmy kids and holiday-harried parents.

Babies will enjoy the bright colors and funny baby character, toddlers will enjoy the simple humor, and older preschoolers will enjoy the more subtle comedy conveyed by the witty illustrations. Even Scrooge himself couldn’t resist this cheerful Christmas cherub.