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HOP JUMP

Name: HOP JUMP
Author: Ellen Stoll Walsh
ISBN: 0-15-292871-5

by Ellen Stoll Walsh & illustrated by Ellen Stoll Walsh ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1993

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Another outstandingly handsome book from the creator of Mouse Count (1991, ALA Notable). Betsy, a blue frog, only watches while the other frogs hop and jump, ``always the same''; she's more interested in the gyrations of a floating leaf, which inspire her to devise new movements, uniquely hers, that she calls ``dancing.'' When the other frogs declare there's ``No room for dancing,'' she's undeterred. But once she's found her own place ``for dancing only,'' the others are curious and join in- -except for one holdout hopper. ``No room for hopping,'' declare the converts, but Betsy is wiser: ``Yes, there's room...For dancing and for hopping.'' This amiable fable, briefer than the words it takes to describe it, is set in a large, square book with plenty of room for the cut-out frogs—in artfully spattered shades of green, except for the blue Betsy—to leap and twirl against a crisp white ground. A beautifully designed book that, like Walsh's earlier efforts, yields new subtleties and visual delights with each reading. (Picture book. 3-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1993

ISBN: 0-15-292871-5

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1993

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
WHERE IS JUMPER?
by Ellen Stoll Walsh ; illustrated by Ellen Stoll Walsh

- BOOK REVIEW
BALANCING ACT
by Ellen Stoll Walsh & illustrated by Ellen Stoll Walsh

- BOOK REVIEW
MOUSE SHAPES
by Ellen Stoll Walsh & illustrated by Ellen Stoll Walsh

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ADDIE ANT GOES ON AN ADVENTURE

by Maren Morris & Karina Argow ; illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 9, 2024

Young readers will be “antsy” to join the hero on her satisfying escapade.

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An ant explores her world.

Addie Ant’s ready for adventure. Despite some trepidation about leaving the Tomato Bed, where she lives with her aunt, she plucks up her courage and ventures forth across the garden to the far side of the shed. On her journey, she meets her pal Lewis Ladybug, who greets her warmly, points the way, and offers sage advice. When Addie arrives at her destination, she’s welcomed by lovely Beatrix Butterfly and enjoys an “ant-tastic” helping of watermelon. Beatrix also provides Addie with take-home treats and a map for the “Cricket Express,” which will take her straight home. Arriving at the terminal, Addie’s delighted to meet another friend, Cleo Cricket, whose carriage service returns Addie home in “two hops.” After eating a warm tomato soup dinner, Addie falls asleep and dreams of future exploits. Adorable though not terribly original, this story brims with sensuous pleasures, both textual and visual. Kids who declare that they dislike fruits or veggies may find their mouths watering at the mentions and sights of luscious tomatoes, peas, beans, watermelons, berries, and other foodstuffs; insect-averse readers may likewise think differently after encountering these convivial, wide-eyed characters. And those flowers and herbs everywhere! The highlights are the colors that burst from the pages. Addie’s an endearing, empowering character who reassures children they’ll be able to take those first independent steps successfully.

Young readers will be “antsy” to join the hero on her satisfying escapade. (author’s note about ants) (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: April 9, 2024

ISBN: 9781797228914

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

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JOE LOUIS, MY CHAMPION

by William Miller & illustrated by Rodney Pate ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2004

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One of the watershed moments in African-American history—the defeat of James Braddock at the hands of Joe Louis—is here given an earnest picture-book treatment. Despite his lack of athletic ability, Sammy wants desperately to be a great boxer, like his hero, getting boxing lessons from his friend Ernie in exchange for help with schoolwork. However hard he tries, though, Sammy just can’t box, and his father comforts him, reminding him that he doesn’t need to box: Joe Louis has shown him that he “can be the champion at anything [he] want[s].” The high point of this offering is the big fight itself, everyone crowded around the radio in Mister Jake’s general store, the imagined fight scenes played out in soft-edged sepia frames. The main story, however, is so bent on providing Sammy and the reader with object lessons that all subtlety is lost, as Mister Jake, Sammy’s father, and even Ernie hammer home the message. Both text and oil-on-canvas-paper illustrations go for the obvious angle, making the effort as a whole worthy, but just a little too heavy-handed. (Picture book. 5-8)