Bum, Bum - Hardcover

Taro Miura is the author-illustrator of The Tiny King and The Big Princess. An award-winning illustrator and graphic designer, he has been selected several times to exhibit his work at the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition. He lives in Japan.

Toddler-PreS—Miura's simple digital style doesn't leave room to invoke much charm or texture to the stories. Bum, Bum uses repetition of the same phrase at the turn of the page following each picture, such as "Duck's fluffy...bum, bum." However, the flat, graphic-art style makes it difficult for the artist to portray softness or fluffiness. Nonetheless, the baby's bottom will raise a smile at the conclusion. There, There similarly repeats a phrase after various animals are pictured crying. The conclusion implies that there, there are the magic words that will stop all tears. VERDICT Supplemental fare with nothing special to add to the excellent array of board books this season.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA