The Tiny Baker

PreS-Gr 1--An unusual anthropomorphic ladybug creates delicacies and teas for her customers at her bakery cafe where ants, crickets, and other bugs come daily to enjoy such treats as eclairs, pralines, and puff pastries along with her rose hip tea. One day when she goes to open, all the ladybug helpers fly away, leaving her alone to bake.The day is saved when her customers pitch in and help, telling her that they come not only for the pastries but also her friendship. This quaint story features sweet scenes as textured and iced as the baked goods themselves. Barrett (Babymoon) delivers an imaginative rhyming text, carried on by Jay in the illustrations, where the bugs wear top hats, waistcoats, and elaborate evening gowns that are sure to elicit giggles at story hours. VERDICT The font is somewhat small for beginning readers, but this is a grand addition to any library, gently demonstrating how we find friends where we least expect to.--Annmarie Braithwaite, New York P.L., New York City