Newcomer Cusimano's tale is a celebration of the transcendent, loving bonds that exist between a parent and child. In melodic couplets, a father croons a tender lullaby to his child, describing their mutual adoration. Alternately sentimental and comical, the verses focus on the minutiae of a child's daily life: silly games, carrot stick snacks and chocolate desserts, and bedtime stories. The lyrical verses capture the yin and yang of the parent/child relationship; the parent's role provides the security a child craves while the child's part illuminates the joyous freedom that comes from that sense of sanctuary. Cusimano subtly conveys a powerful message about the intimate connection between these two roles; for every way in which the beloved child is the epicenter of the parent's universe, the parent in turn is the steadfast mooring of the child's world. "I am your water wings; / you are my deep. / I am your open arms; / you are my running leap." While the introspective verses are more reflective of an adult's sensibilities, the depth of the emotion expressed will resonate with young readers. Ichikawa's soft pastel watercolors complement the heart-felt verses. Her beguiling artwork features an animated pair of stuffed teddy bears frolicking about, with the little bear's antics perfectly portraying the exuberance and reckless joie de vivre that is part and parcel of a happy, well-loved tot's existence. Warmly reassuring, this tale is ideal for sharing with loved ones, big or small. (Picture book. 3-7)

In the tradition of Margaret Wise Brown's Little Bunny, this book celebrates parent-child love and offers reassurances about a mother's watchful presence when her child begins to explore. Two teddy bears, mother and baby, play outdoors, with an assemblage of tiny stuffed animals looking on. On each double-page spread, a statement juxtaposes images of comfort and security with those of exploration and risk-taking: "I am your calm place; / you are my giggle"; "I am your open arms; / You are my running leap." After a full day of play, it's bedtime: "I am your good-night kiss; / you are my / I love you." The gentle watercolors sweetly capture the loving parent and child and the fun they are having. Thought provoking as well as delightful, this is a good choice for reading aloud. Ages 3-7.

Parents and children often struggle with one another and this precious book is a subtle reminder that we are meant to balance each other daily. With lines like "I am your way home; you are my new path. I am your dry towel; you are my wet bath" readers are encouraged to see things from another's point of view. The rhyming text is soothing and thought-provoking. Ms. Ichikawa's soft, fluid watercolors add life to the text and make this book all the more endearing. This is a wonderful book to share with children and it would be a wonderful gift book, sure to be treasured by all. Highly recommended. 2001, Philomel, $15.99. Ages 6 mo. up.

The rhythmic and lyrical text of this beautifully illustrated picture book explores the special connections between a parent and child. The opening pages show an adult teddy bear curled up with a baby bear: "I am your parent;/you are my child./I am your quiet place;/you are my wild." The verses that follow describe the activities of a busy day. While they play outside, the grown-up explains, "I am your water wings;/you are my deep./I am your open arms;/you are my running leap." After a bath, dinner, and a favorite story, the poem ends with a quiet moment: "I am your lullaby;/you are my peekaboo./I am your good-night kiss;/you are my/I love you." The soft watercolor illustrations bring the spirit behind the text to light. The joy and movement of running, spinning, splashing, and hugging are all captured in a warm and lighthearted manner, and the baby bear's small toy animals often join in the fun and games. An appealing choice for bedtime sharing.