Hop, Hop, Jump!

April 2, 2012
Thompson and Krosoczka move from food to physical activity in this lively, anti–couch potato book set at a summer camp, a companion to Chew, Chew, Gulp! (2011). The same cheery children appear along with bouncing verse that invites readers to “Move your body!/ Have some fun!/ Watch!/ We’ll show you how it’s done!” Throughout, the acrylic paintings and minimal text suggest different ways of moving various body parts. “Wiggle it./ Waggle it./ Wing it./ Wave it./ Upside-down it./ Hop, hop, jump!” writes Thompson as Krosoczka shows the children playing in a wide open field; one boy tries to touch a butterfly, while a girl dips her toes in the water. Each body part being moved is clearly labeled, and the infectious text and ever-changing visual milieu keep the book spirited and energetic. Even small body parts are featured in this pint-size workout routine: at the camp’s nature center, a boy taking a picture of his friend can “Squint it,” while the girl and a turtle “Grin it.” Foot-stomping fun that’s tailor-made for exuberant preschool read-aloud. Ages 3–5. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House.

April 1, 2012

PreS-K-Action-loving friends are seen right side up or upside down as they demonstrate more than 15 moves in rhythmic succession. With bright acrylic colors, broad cartoon smiles, and eyes alit, the multicultural campers demonstrate each activity or sport with action verbs in bold type and highlighting the body parts involved in hiking, swimming, tumbling, and dancing. From "clomp, clomp, STOMP" to "flip, flap, FLOP!" bold font emphasizes moving the body with fun in mind. Readers are encouraged to "goose it" and "groove it"-get up and get moving in a show of talent with grins, waves, and a bow. From toes to fingers, neck to hip, shoulders to foot, and heel to waist, the book creates a listing and a series of active images for younger readers to discover their body by moving along with friends.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.