WILL YOU CARRY ME?

This simple story of a familiar plaint is charmingly carried out in capricious scenes featuring a clever mom and a cute kid. Thomas has played in the park all day long and is tired. “Will you carry me?” he asks. Mommy suggests that if he’s too tired to walk, maybe they “should try . . . JUMPING!” And she hitches up her pants, bends her knees, and jumps past the pond and through the grass—with Thomas right behind her. Swimming and flying are the next ploys and finally running as Mommy laughingly chases Thomas home. Whimsical, airy illustrations portray Mommy in red pedal-pushers, banded, frizzy hair, hoop earrings, and a knapsack and Thomas with a white brush cut. Various birds, butterflies, bees, even a fairy, flutter around in the scenes mimicking the action. Repeated readings will reveal many quirky, humorous details such as the boy on a bike wearing a mask and snorkel with a bowl of fish strapped to the back and a mermaid perched on the handlebars. A universal experience that will have both toddlers and parents grinning, turning the plea for “carry me” into playful fun. (Picture book. 2-4)