``Bang''; ``bong''; ``hop''; ``stop'': each word appears twice, in large type and also creatively integrated into a sequence of illustrations depicting a small boy exploring his yard and neighborhood, making noise by dragging a stick along a picket fence and by banging on garbage pails, then considering a stop sign, splashing and squishing through puddles, and finally bringing his muddy footprints home—where Mom greets his dawning awareness of the tracks he's just made with rueful indulgence. Montezinos's bright, freely painted illustrations are nicely appropriate to Joe Joe's imaginative activities. A book that invites dramatic play, with individual or toddler group, to reinforce the simple words presented; since the children for whom it's suitable will be too young to set out down the sidewalk alone, as Joe Joe does, concerned adults can make his turnaround at the stop sign a discussion point with preschoolers. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: Sept. 30, 1993
ISBN: 0-689-50578-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1993
Inside a colorful garden, some plants “grow up,” while others “grow down, and still others grow “around and around.” This catchy, rhyming refrain, with some variation, introduces children to an abundance of garden vegetables and legumes, including corn, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, beets, green beans, okra, onions and tomatoes, as well as the ambiguous pumpkin, and follows them from seed to plant to lunch. The different plants are shown sprouting under and above ground, and youngsters will delight in the bird- and mole’s-eye perspectives. Energetic watercolor-and-ink illustrations, inhabited by multiracial tots, a farmer, a scarecrow, friendly bugs, worms, crows, rabbits and, of course, a plethora of seeds, plants and produce, are a feast for the eyes and will whet children’s appetites for further knowledge—and for a very healthy lunch. An inviting introduction to the wonder of plants, food and gardening, this charming selection will be a favorite of teachers, students and home readers alike. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-7636-2378-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2007
A soothing, bright-as-noon introduction to school that ought to help chase away any shim-shams that first-timers might be experiencing. From the start, Sturges delivers an upbeat note: “School, school, school, / I love school!” and keeps it going strong throughout the simple, rhymed text: “With all my friends I laugh and sing. / I talk about most everything.” Halpern’s artwork is as simple and primary as the verse, with kids going through their day of drawing and the alphabet, lunch, and recess. They celebrate their teacher and their good fortune at having such a neat place to go each day. Some readers will complain that this is a classic piece of avoidance, but its sunny disposition can’t help making school look fun. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: July 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-06-009284-X
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2004
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