cover image Hop, Hop, Jump!

Hop, Hop, Jump!

Lauren Thompson, illus. by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. S&S/McElderry, $14.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-4169-9745-0

Thompson and Krosoczka move from food to physical activity in this lively, anti–couch potato book set at a summer camp, a companion to Chew, Chew, Gulp! (2011). The same cheery children appear along with bouncing verse that invites readers to “Move your body!/ Have some fun!/ Watch!/ We’ll show you how it’s done!” Throughout, the acrylic paintings and minimal text suggest different ways of moving various body parts. “Wiggle it./ Waggle it./ Wing it./ Wave it./ Upside-down it./ Hop, hop, jump!” writes Thompson as Krosoczka shows the children playing in a wide open field; one boy tries to touch a butterfly, while a girl dips her toes in the water. Each body part being moved is clearly labeled, and the infectious text and ever-changing visual milieu keep the book spirited and energetic. Even small body parts are featured in this pint-size workout routine: at the camp’s nature center, a boy taking a picture of his friend can “Squint it,” while the girl and a turtle “Grin it.” Foot-stomping fun that’s tailor-made for exuberant preschool read-aloud. Ages 3–5. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (May)