School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-The smartest baby in the whole world, introduced in Baby Brains (Candlewick, 2004), is back. This story is about the emergence of his musical genius: how his mother placed headphones over her tummy to expose Baby to classical music before his birth; how the tiny toddler, adept on toy piano, announces to his parents that he wants to attend music school; how he masters the tuba, cello, and timpani; and how he loves electric guitar best. "`Rock 'n' roll is where it's at, Mom,'" he declares from his stroller. He goes on to give a concert in a gigantic outdoor stadium, where an unintentional song becomes a megahit. Children will love the blue sleeper-suited tyke who graduates from music school after only two weeks, wins a talent contest, and, like many other children, suffers from stage fright. James's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are cheerful, charming cartoons, expertly rendered for maximum chortles. This book has "star" written all over it.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
"Boastful parents who can laugh at themselves, as well as their cherished offspring, will find abundant chuckles in these pages," said PW's starred review of Baby Brains. Now the "smartest baby in the whole world" is back for Baby Brains Superstar by Simon James, and after mastering all of the instruments at music school, proudly proclaims, "Rock 'n' roll is where it's at, Mom." (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
In this sequel to Baby Brains, the wee protagonist aces music school, wins a talent contest, and is all set to rock before a huge crowd when he finally starts acting his age: ""I want my mommy!"" Great visuals abound (Baby Brains's electric guitar is twice his size), but the book also has something to say: let kids be kids. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
PreS. Baby Brains, who made his debut in Baby Brains: The Smartest Baby in the World 0 (2004), returns, this time as a rock star. The big-headed baby had been groomed for a music career in utero (Mom wore earphones on her belly, so Baby could appreciate classical music). After his birth, baby masters many instruments, but he's hooked on the electric guitar--ergo, "rock and 'n' roll is where it's at." So begins another career for Baby Brains, who last time out did everything from fixing cars to practicing medicine. However, when Baby's big moment as a rocker comes at an outdoor concert with thousands in the audience, he has a major meltdown. He wants Mommy! Fortunately, the band plays on, and the audience thinks it's all part of the best performance it has ever seen. Some of the silly goings on will appeal more to young readers than to listeners, but it's hard to fault the hysterical watercolor artwork that appears on full pages and in spots. Children will giggle at the sight of Baby Brains in his romper, picking up a huge guitar, or getting his one lone hair cut. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2005 Booklist
