Publisher's Weekly Review
Starred Review. McPhails picture book hero Pig Pig is back-as a baby. As his mother pushes him around in his stroller, she introduces words for things they see. When she singles out a cat, Duba is Baby Pig Pigs response. Snake, she says, pointing at one (from atop a park bench). Hissa, Baby Pig Pig replies. The arrival of an affectionate dog finally prompts Baby Pig Pig to say his first real word, Mama. McPhails watercolors exude warmth and quiet humor, and the aural sources for many of Baby Pig Pigs words (Dinga for tricycle, Quacka for duck) hint at how the gears are turning in his young porcine brain. Simultaneously available: Baby Pig Pig Walks. Up to age 3. Agent: Faith Hamlin, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
McPhail's popular character Pig Pig appears here as a toddler, just learning his baby skills. In this board-book edition, Mama is trying to get Pig Pig to talk. She says Mama, and he says bluba. As she pushes his stroller through the park, he seems to be getting the idea. Mama's duck leads to his quacka. But it's not until a dog comes out of nowhere to offer a lick, that his first real word comes out, a startled Mama! The last spread shows baby and mama having a moment, while ducks quack, dogs woof, and taxis honk in the background. The audience probably won't know the original books, but this one and its companion, Baby Pig Pig Walks, are pleasers with their simple text and amusing, warm ink-and-watercolor illustrations.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2014 Booklist
