Catch That Baby!, by Nancy Coffelt, illustrations by Scott Nash, makes me smile—a lot. This playful tale of a toddler who runs around naked while his family chases him reminds me of my kids’ delight in their own nude state. And Rudy, the tot in the tale, is just so darn cute! The illustrator, Nash (Flat Stanley, Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp), does a great job of depicting sheer joy on the little boy’s face as he streaks around the house and hides from his family. And if you’re wondering how much full disclosure there is in a picture book about a naked toddler, let me just say that Nash is a master at cleverly concealing the boy’s privates. The story is told through a series of comic-style panels and spare text in speech bubbles. Don’t worry—the panels are large (mostly full-page), so young children will have no trouble following the action. And there is quite a lot of action going on—that’s what makes this book so fun to share with little ones.
Coffelt (Fred Stays With Me!) and Nash waste no time in telling their tale. Even before the title page, we see a full-page spread of a mother chasing her irrepressible son. It turns out to be bath time. Rudy has fun splashing in the tub, but when it’s time to get dressed, the little boy has other ideas. “No dressed!” he cries, throwing off his towel and running naked into the living room. Mom and pet dog follow in pursuit. As Rudy tears through the house, other family members (Dad, Brother, Sister, Grandma, and Grandpa) join the chase. Before long, the toddler (crying “Nudie Rudy!” with glee) has turned the game from one of catch to that of hide and seek. His loving family plays along until Rudy finally emerges. But even then, he has a surprise for the family. The toddler has dressed himself—albeit, in his own unique style. “Cutie Rudy,” he cries—showing off pants on his head, socks on his hands, and legs in the sleeves of his shirt.
Kids will have a blast following Rudy in the pictures. But I have just one caveat to add: After reading this with your children, be prepared to play many rounds of “catch that baby!” in your own home—with or without clothes. The glee is infectious.
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Have you seen and read Catch That Baby? Can you suggest other picture books that remind you of this one?
