Judy Crowder (Children's Literature)
Baby Lilly is crying. Is she hungry? Is she wet? Does she need to be cuddled or bounced on someone's knee? Who knows? One by one, with an "I do!" the adults in Lilly's family all try to stop her crying without success. Every attempt, illustrated in Heo's colorful drawings results in the same "Waa! Waa! Waa! Oh, who knows what to do?" Finally, Lilly's brother really does know what to do. He gives Lilly a great big grin. Lilly smiles back, and smiles break out all around. Young children, reading or hearing this cheerful book read aloud, are certain to chant, "Waa! Waa! Waa! Oh, who knows what to do?" while they enjoy the pictures, and smile themselves. This is a fine look-at-together or read aloud book for grandparents, parents, teachers--or uncles, aunts or older siblings. 2004, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $15.95. Ages 2 to 7.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2004 (Vol. 72, No. 4))
Readers from young children to grandparents will appreciate the frustration felt by Lily's family in Fleming's lyrical journey into what makes a baby tick. The tale begins when "Lily wakes up crying. / Waa! Waa! Waa! / Lily wakes up crying. / Oh, who knows what to do?" This plea repeats throughout, as each family member offers to soothe the seemingly inconsolable infant. Mommy sings a lullaby, but is unsuccessful. Daddy's attempt to play "Superbaby" ends in failure. A clean diaper from Grandma and peek-a-boo with uncle are unable to quell the wailing. When panic starts to set in, big brother's simple solution saves the day, making this a perfect read for new older siblings. Heo's fun, fanciful, flat, and folksy artwork provides bright colors and unique perspectives. One especially amusing picture shows an enormous crying Lily surrounded by tiny worried adults, beautifully illustrating that babies truly are the center of their universe. 2004, Anne Schwartz/Atheneum, 32p, $15.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 2 to 5. © 2004 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.