Unstoppable Me

A child who can’t keep still bursts from their sleepy parents’ bedroom, an embodiment of the spread’s declaration: “I am movement.” “Fueled by food” and “powered by PLAY!/ friendship/ compliments/ love and laughter,” the kid moves through a day with a “turbo boost” of joyful energy, slowing for only a brief moment “to recharge” before heading back to fun. Every activity is an opportunity for imaginative play, from time with other children (the group plays in a cardboard engine) to bedtime (“I’m a supersonic dreamer!”). In keeping with the book’s theme, the simple narrative moves quickly, largely comprising single words. Joyner’s energetic cartoon artwork conveys the spirit of Verde’s words, showing the “perpetual motion” of very young children. Parents of tireless youth will find solidarity and humor here, and young readers will close this book feeling invigorated by the possibilities before them. Ages 2–6. [em](July) [/em]