From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Prior to the title page, a picture shows a child waking up from a bad dream. She calls for her father, who then begins a series of verses that are a takeoff on the traditional nursery rhyme "Hush Little Baby." Dad's versions are full of action and drama, as is the art that depicts them. About midway through, his daughter tries to interrupt him, but he is on a roll and just doesn't stop. In fact, he breaks his flow to say, "Hush." Finally, she is able to tell him that all she really wants is a hug. He sings one more verse, they hug, and now it is her turn to say, "Hush." Illustrations are done in muted tones depicting the nighttime scenario. The artwork begins with thinly framed paintings. Once dad gets going, the pictures open out and fill the entire spread. As the story winds down, the pictures are once again framed. Observant children will note that many of dad's ideas come from his daughter's toys. This is an interesting and fun take on the rhyme that will pair well with Allan Ahlberg's Mockingbird (Candlewick, 1998).
Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, ILCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Dominic Catalano is an artist, writer, musician, and teacher. He was born in Syracuse, New York, and earned a BS in art education at SUNY Buffalo, an M.A. on fine arts at SUNY Oswego, and an M.F.A. at Syracuse University. His illustrations have appeared in a number of children's magazines and have drawn high acclaim in many books for children.
Much of Dominic's day is divided between his "three joys:" art, music, and teaching. When he does have free time, activities with daughter Sara, movies, chess and spending time with good friends top the agenda. He lives in Oswego, NY, and teaches graphic design and illustration at Broome Community College in Binghamton, NY.
