A very simple, repetitive text that provides lots of opportunities for interaction makes this an ideal choice for baby storytime. The illustrations, by Bridget Strevens-Marzo, are simply composed with bright colors and thick black outlines which again works well for babies and toddlers. Older siblings will also relate to the story as the ending reveals an older sister has been entertaining baby with his stuffed animals. Also a good choice for beginning readers due to the repetitive structure and visual clues from the illustrations. The only thing that keeps this from being a five-star book is that the scansion is imperfect in places.

Used for Babies Gone Wild storytime July 2010. ( )

Great picture book for family storytime theme as well as forest animals. Cute to do with puppets. ( )

You make a baby smile by grinning like Papa Crocodile, or by acting like any of the other playful animal Papas and Mamas in this book for young children. The animal fathers in this book share equal time with animal mothers, and are shown happily care giving and playing with their children. The illustrations are bright and joyous, and this is an especially appropriate book for bedtime for little ones. Reviewed by Book Dads ( )

How do you make a baby smile? Simple and brightly colored illustrations, bold outlines and background colors bring the various and very friendly looking wild animals and their kin (and some humans too) to the fore, showing them as they go about their daily lives. My favorite spread is: "Or play peekaboo like Daddy Raccoon," as well as the ending:

"So how do you make a baby grin? Tickle the baby under its chin! / When baby yawns and nods its head, / Tuck the baby snug in bed."