IPPY THE CENTIPEDE

A centipede finds that he has everything he needs in this simple, sing-along picture book by MacKinnon (Erpill the Caterpillar, 2011) and illustrator McIntosh (Jessie, You’re So Messy!, 2016).

Ippy, an orange-and-yellow, glasses-wearing centipede, seems to have it all. In a series of four-page verses accompanied by full-page, cleverly anthropomorphic illustrations, readers are told about all the things that Ippy has to be grateful for. After each set of items, readers repeat the question “What more does he need?” Ippy begins with showing appreciation for his feet; the next verse covers singing and running; the following one reveals all the toys and belongings that he has; and the book ends by celebrating Ippy’s loving family. Although the structure may imply that there’s always something else to add to a list of what one needs, young readers will clearly understand that the author intends for a loving family to be the most important list item. The framework also allows children to brainstorm about things left out: toothbrushes and hairbrushes, food for picnics, and so on. Skilled teachers may direct such conversations into a comparison of wants versus needs and steer kids toward appreciating the things that they have. Sheet music is included for a potential singalong.

This storybook’s repeating lyrics and cartoonish illustrations will appeal to its preschooler audience.