BOUNCING TIME
by Patricia Hubbell & illustrated by Melissa Sweet
An energetic tot bounds through her day in this jaunty tale from Hubbell (Sidewalk Trip, 1999, etc.). A mother takes her lively toddler on a trip to the zoo to see some frolicsome animals. From skipping panda bears to somersaulting monkeys, a carnival of creatures parade past. After dinner and a bath, the little one, all bounced out, is tucked into bed for a peaceful night’s sleep. Hubbell’s spirited verses capture the exuberance of childhood. Sprightly rhymes fairly quiver with energy, conveying the irrepressible vivacity of youth, “Will you bounce like your clown doing tricks on his mat? / Like your bouncy-bounce puppy? / Like your pouncy-pounce cat?” Sweet’s (Love and Kisses, 1998) brightly hued illustrations fill the pages from edge to edge. Pages awash in an invigorating array of colors from sunlit yellows to deep indigo are the perfect backdrop for the cheerful pictures. The peppy paintings, artfully depicting jolly animals cavorting about, and the gleeful delight of the child are nearly impossible to resist. Young readers will be enthralled by this jubilant tale that celebrates children’s wondrous ability to revel in the moment. (Picture book. 1-4)