Jenkins, Ward. San Francisco, Baby! Ward Jenkins, Illus. Pic. Bk. Chronicle, 2012. [28]p. $12.99. 978-1-4521-0620-5. ADDITIONAL. GRADES TOD-K.
Series Review: A brief rhyming text celebrates locales in San Francisco, from Alcatraz, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and the Golden Gate Bridge to the Haight and the Mission districts. Full-color, retro-style cartoon illustrations depict an African-American or Latino toddler girl enjoying the sights with her father: “Now hop aboard the cable car. Be safe—hold onto the bar!” Many preschoolers will recognize the landmarks and locations; this will also be a great book to read before taking a young child on a trip to the city. The companion title, New York, Baby! features a blond boy in a stroller with his mother, visiting various Big Apple museums, parks, and buildings, along with seeing the Broadway show The Lion King. There are no maps, and parents will need to explain some of the places depicted in the text, but these smallish books work well for pre-vacation orientation.
Penny Peck, San Jose State Univ, SLIS