SECRETS OF THE BABY WHISPERER FOR TODDLERS

Following up on her successful book on communicating with babies, Hogg's latest is about relating to toddlers. Sounding like a proper British nanny, Hogg reads evenly and with compassion; she is clearly knowledgeable. While recommending routine and structure, she repeats various phrases in an annoying singsong baby voice, imitating how we should speak to our kids. Against spanking and pacifiers, she prefers parenting by one's presence, and interacting playfully with the child while setting clear and firm boundaries. With plenty of uses of "luv" and "mum," Hogg patronizingly advises modeling the behavior we want from our children. All this may be helpful to first-time parents; others can always take what they like and leave the rest. A.G.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]