Mice Squeak, We Speak

Illustrated in gorgeous, muted hues, this board-book version of an elegantly simple poem is a picture perfect introduction to animal--and people--sounds for very young readers. Every page, framed in decorative borders, reveals a critter making noise: "Flies hum. / Dogs growl. / Bats screech. / Coyotes howl. / Frogs croak. / Parrots squawk. / Bees buzz. / But I talk!" The animal sounds emerge from or surround the animal itself; thus, "snore snore snore snore..." wafts drowsily out of the mouth of the slumbering bear as snow drifts around the edges of the den. Three children, of different ethnicities, make occasional, giggling appearances throughout, urging each other forward to let their own voices be heard: "But I speak!" "But I say!" "But I talk!" Award-winning artist Tomie dePaola (26 Fairmount Avenue) is in fine form with his luminous folk-art illustrations, which make a delightful accompaniment to Arnold L. Shapiro's friendly rhymes. (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter