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GO! GO! GO! STOP! by Charise Mericle Harper Kirkus Star

GO! GO! GO! STOP!

by Charise Mericle Harper ; illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper

Pub Date: March 11th, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-375-86924-2
Publisher: Knopf

Little Green and Little Red learn the power of two simple words (Go! and Stop!) as they direct a construction site’s workflow in this entertaining tale that will leave readers raring for more.

A cheerful green ball discovers he can speak: “Go!” Overjoyed, he rolls into town and shouts his only word from the top of a crane, mobilizing construction vehicles to work. They happily tow, dump, scoop and lift to Little Green’s repeated “Go!”s. But when there’s no end to the going, mayhem ensues—until Little Red arrives to yell, “Stop!” After some delightful trial and error, the duo of disks finds a groove. A bridge is built, and Little Yellow arrives just in time to join the other two on the new traffic light. Digital illustrations done in a primitive style effectively introduce basic concepts, such as opposites, traffic symbols and word meaning. The adorable characters, construction setting and primary palette will appeal to the younger set, while beginning readers will proudly help with the recognizable words (in whispers and shouts) as directed by Little Green and Red’s cues.

A wonderful read-aloud and a lighthearted and lively celebration of action words.

(Picture book. 2-5)