In the Rain With Baby Duck (by Amy Hest)

Every kid will recognize how Baby Duck is feeling about the rain. Amy Hest has captured the dynamics of family relationships well, making this a satisfying read for grown-ups, too. Baby's song is mistaken for a happy one by her parents. The parents' vain attempts to smooth over Baby's unhappiness will have adults smiling to themselves.

This is a solid beginning reader. Amy Hest weaves in and repeats some words preschoolers may not know, such as dawdle and dally. When children see how Baby Duck drags, they understand the meaning, and they learn what it means to shimmy and waddle. The oversize format, and bright illustrations by Jill Barton, complement Hest's narrative. Children like the red bunny boots and matching umbrella, and they can tell how grumpy Baby Duck is by her expression as she lifts her feet out of the mud.