It's a powerful concept, exploring the routines and rituals of a child's first year in diverse cultures and traditions and introducing readers to babies from tiny Luke, who is spending his first days of life in an incubator, to Kasa, who is being introduced to the sunrise by her grandmother. Nontraditional families-biracial, adoptive, and single-parent-are included. The ways in which babies are welcomed into the world are wonderfully varied yet strikingly kindred.   Welcoming Babies is equally appropriate as a gift to new parents or grandparents and a read-aloud for babies.

Lexile Level 990; F&P Level O