Up, Up, Up, Down!

March 1, 2019
A toddler lives through a day full of opposing directives with their stay-at-home dad.A page of vignettes showing the tot waking, attempting to scale the crib rails, and being picked up by dad accompany large, baby-blue lettering: "Up, up, up!" On the facing page, the child squirms out of dad's arms toward a toy on the ground; larger lettering says "Down!" And so continues their day, the tyke miming, "No, no, no," to oatmeal, toast, and eggs, then gobbling up blueberries ("yes!"). Clothes go "on, on, on" as dad dresses the child--then all are suddenly "off." Dad exhorts offspring to "hurry, hurry, hurry" in order to get out of the house, then, in a full spread, calls, "slow down!" as the chortling child runs merrily away from the house, toward the sidewalk. After swim lessons, treats, and fun at home with dad, mom comes home, briefcase in hand, and snuggles with baby as dad conks out in a chair: "All done." The family is black. Toddler and father both wear faded haircuts, and each family member is essentially the same shade of light brown. The parts of this day will be familiar to parents and children alike. The simple lines and soft colors are soothing to the eye, though bolder colors might be more attractive to the younger set. A fresh take on opposites and routines for the very young. (Picture book. 1-4)

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June 7, 2019

Toddler-PreS-A toddler spends a day with his father in this simple and charming picture book. After getting ready in the morning, father and child head to the pool and park, where they have a fun time learning to swim, making sand castles, and having ice cream. At the park, the toddler gets a balloon, which he loses soon after, and begins to cry, but his dad is there to comfort him and he feels better soon. Once they arrive home, they play together until mom arrives home from work. Sweet and unassuming, this picture book will have wide appeal. Gee uses repetition and simple text in bold font that pops off the page, making the book suitable for both group and one-on-one sharing. The illustrations, which were drawn in pencil and then painted digitally, feature soft, cheerful colors that reflect the warm tone of the story. Similarly, the character designs are appropriately sweet and adorable. This picture book features a black family and lovingly depicts a father as the primary caregiver to his son. VERDICT With cute characters, charming illustrations, and a portrayal of a loving family, this is a delightful choice for young readers. Recommended.-Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY

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