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WIGGLE JUMP TICKLE by Ruth Austin

WIGGLE JUMP TICKLE

A Little Book of Actions

by Ruth Austin ; illustrated by Kanae Sato

Pub Date: June 1st, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-946873-09-5
Publisher: Compendium

Frolic along with a little boy and his newly hatched chick friend as they demonstrate the titular actions and many more.

The book pops with clearly demonstrated action words. “Leap” sends boy and bird soaring upward, while the little chicky performs a cute tail “wiggle.” It’s all so inviting that children might find themselves wanting to “dance” or “stomp” right along. Sato scaffolds a simple visual narrative onto the words, beginning with the chick’s hatching, moving on to playtime, a tiff, and then forgiveness, and ending with bedtime and a peaceful “snooze.” For little listeners, it’s the perfect amount of plot and intrigue. A high-contrast palette of black, white, baby blue, and gold on brilliant Day-Glo blue background makes the duo burst off the page, and the lack of scenery keeps the spotlight on the buddies’ antics. Negative space defines the characters, who are created from simple but evocative rounded shapes (the chick resembles a curvy sweet potato). Expressive curved-line smiles, comically askew feet, triangle beak, and eye-catching motion lines make the vignettes feel exuberantly animated. Adding to its overall appeal, this is one durable book, with robustly textured pages that feel water-resistant and a sturdy binding. It’s part of a board-book trio, each with its own signature Day-Glo color and friendly animal foil. Happy Grumpy Loved explores feelings, while Hide Seek Stinky Sweet covers opposites.

Toddlers might “jump” for joy over this bouncy board book and its companions.

(Board book. 1-3)