Little Boubo is determined to show just how grown-up he is in this tender little picture-book from Italian author/illustrator Beatrice Alemagna. From his ability to ride a bike to his four teeth, Boubo presents plenty of evidence that he is a big boy. In fact, he is the biggest. How does he know? Because when she tucks him in at night, his mother always tells him he is her "biggest love."

Published in Alemagna's native Italy as Piccolo grande Bubo and in London as Little Big Boubo - although the English-language edition I read didn't mention anything about translation, I assume the Italian one is the original, given Alemagna's nationality - this little book presents a heartwarming little reassurance story for younger children. I've seen other reviewers describe Boubo as a hedgehog, so although I don't really see it myself - does he look like a hedgehog here? I honestly can't tell, because all the characters and objects are so stylized - I have added it to my "quilled critters" shelf. There isn't much to this one, just a very simple text paired with the artist's quirky and appealing illustrations, but the end result is quite pleasing. Recommended to anyone who enjoys Alemagna's artwork, and to anyone looking for new reassurance stories for the toddler set. ( )

Baby hedgehog enthusiastically shows how grownup he is. ( )