Welcome, Precious (by Nikki Grimes)

The collage of words and illustrations in this book creates a loving, hopeful world to cradle the dreams of a new child. The author and illustrator have worked well together to create this multimedia presentation, both poetic and artistic. While the poetry presents a beautiful rainbow of unique sights, sounds, and tastes, the watercolors and cut-paper collages add a warm, loving embrace to the story.

Delicately watercolored faces painted against the more ruggedly cut backgrounds present happy, sensitive people who seem to appreciate the joys of this exciting world. Balloons bounce throughout the pages, appearing here and there in the background to underline the festive feeling of this book. WELCOME, PRECIOUS is more than a joy to read and experience. It's the perfect gift book for anyone welcoming a new baby into the world.