Stretch

July 6, 2009
The highly kinetic canine hero of Wiggle
and Bounce
is back, this time showing off some yoga-style stretches and more: “Can you stretch to the ceiling? Can you stretch to the floor?” he asks, the words themselves stretching to fit over the rump of an elephant who is showing off his best downward-facing dog pose, as is the ebullient host. Later, he and a pudgy dog friend stretch together, standing on two exercise balls and, on another spread, he imagines: “If I were an astronaut, I'd stretch in outer space.” The opposite of a bedtime book, it seems more suited to preceding some afternoon play. Ages 3–6.

August 1, 2009
PreS-The energetic dog from "Wiggle" (2005) and "Bounce" (2007, both S & S) has returned with a tale to stretch readers' imaginations. Children are invited to extend arms, legs, lungs, and even vocal chords as the dog bounds from page to page. Playful rhyming text is complemented by pen-and-ink illustrations with digital color and photographic elements on clean, uncluttered backgrounds. There is no doubt that the dog is the star, though other animals appear in supporting roles: "Stretch up high for a snack in the trees" shows the pup on a giraffe as it reaches for an apple. As the dog and a friend chisel a large stone sculpture of a dog, the text reads, "If you stretch me and I stretch you]/we'll stretch twice as far]/Who knows what we can do?" The sky is the limit with this engaging read-aloud."Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2009
Preschool-G The potbellied canine from Wiggle (2005) and Bounce (2007) learns a new move in this colorful definition (and redefinition) of the word stretch. The book couldnt have a more appropriate kickoff: strapped into a lavender leotard, our doggie narrator leads a mixed-species yoga session, complete with the trembling feet/paws/claws of the various students. Then its off to the races, as the dog darts through various scenarios: I can stretch underwater, / I can stretch on a wave. / I can stretch on a surfboard if Im very, very brave. Fine, sharp illustrations of the dog and other animals are combined with photographic elements such as peacock feathers andocean waves, and the result is playful and wildly colorful. The text, meanwhile, reacts differently to each setting, shrinking or ballooning or tilting as the situation decrees. The stretch (and eventual pop) of a bubblegum bubble provides a climax of sorts, but its the endpapers of the dog contorted in endless yoga positions thatproves to bethe books comic highlight.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)