Someones Come to Our House [Hardcover]

An unseen narrator practically sings the verses of this celebratory book, which begins with an announcement and an invitation: "Someone's come to our house./ Yes, yes, bless-a-my-soul!/ Bright new start,/ Brand new heartA/ Come and see at our house." Carpenter's (Only a Star) sunny paintings show guests convening at a large old house, its porch hung with a "Welcome" banner, where a family is rejoicing. The reason for the festivities isn't spelled out until the penultimate spread, in which two children beam at a smiling baby who lays swaddled in a crib ("Angels keep watch so deep./ Peace, peace, bless-a-my-soul," read the first lines of the accompanying text). Appelt's (I See the Moon) verses are full of happiness; they might even tilt into sentimentality but for the robust art. Bustling with energy, the illustrations convey a host of lifelike scenarios unfolding throughout the party: an overly made-up woman in a tight dress pinches the cheek of a barely tolerant boy, a toddler swipes some frosting off an angel cake, a woman sneaks a kiss with the family dog. The result is a book that captures the jubilation and awe surrounding a family birth ("Baby's here/ God is near," the text concludes). Given the many titles that address the arrival of a new sibling in terms of the jealousy he or she may arouse, this volume will be welcomed for its convincingly enthusiastic voice. Ages 2-8. (June)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

PreSchool-K-This rhyming story describes how family members and friends join together to welcome a new baby. The text has an adult voice-much of the word selection and phrasing is awkward and does not read aloud easily. The book tries too hard to strike a joyous tone: "Papa beams, eyes agleam./See, see, bless-a-my-soul!/Stands up tall,/Welcomes all-/Come and hug at our house." The artwork, done in oils on gessoed bristol board, captures the family's excitement. The infant is the focus of only one double-page spread, as he sleeps in a crib watched over by two smiling siblings. The colors are bright and the faces expressive, and the pictures tie in well with the text. A supplemental selection for new baby sections.
JoAnn Jonas, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A repetitive string of gospel-inspired stanzas, recited by an unseen narrator, celebrates the arrival of a newborn at a family's house. The welcoming committeefriends and kingather with food and cheers for the family; Grandpa calls from the screen door, Papa beams, Granny bakes angel cakes, Brother laughs, Sister smiles, Mama sings. In the tone of a rock-a-my-soul spiritual, the author repeats the refrain ``bless-a-my-soul'' in five-line rhyming stanzas, finishing with, ``Love's at home in our house/Yes, yes, bless-a-my-soul/Baby's here/God is near/Come rejoice at our house.'' The verses do not add up to a story, but bring the mood of celebration to a pitch. Sunny oils reflect the toe-tapping joy and the elation that accompanies a baby's first homecoming. (Picture book. 2-5) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.