Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Designed with caregivers and educators in mind, this title offers a straightforward approach to screen-free activities for young children. Clear, easy-to-follow instructions directly address readers, encouraging them to engage in simple physical exercises, such as touching toes, hopping like a bunny, and taking giant steps. Each move is demonstrated by children who have a variety of skin and hair colors, using bold motion lines and arrows to clearly demonstrate the actions. The book is an effective tool for incorporating movement breaks into daily routines, whether in one-on-one settings or classrooms. The directions are simple, and the illustrations are supportive and engaging, making it accessible for children. The use of bright, unconventional colors for the children's skin tones and hair is creative and suggests multicultural representation, though it does not show other versions of diversity, such as disability. VERDICT Despite that one caveat, this is a useful resource for introducing physical activity and breaks, making it a solid addition to collections seeking new ideas.--Louie Lauer
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In her debut picture book, author/illustrator Roy challenges and inspires young readers to move their bodies in fun, energetic ways. "CAN YOU TOUCH YOUR TOES?" Roy asks. "CAN YOU HOP LIKE A BUNNY?" So begins a long list of "can you" activity questions, each pose demonstrated with lively images. Sometimes the challenges have a playful bent: "HOW LONG CAN YOU BALANCE ON ONE FOOT? / TRY THE OTHER FOOT! THAT ONE LOOKS BETTER." Sometimes the text is visually contrasted for effect: "CAN YOU STOMP YOUR FEET? FASTER!" uses a white writing and a blue background, while "MAKE THE GROUND SHAKE!" uses black writing and a yellow background. The book concludes with a calming-down sequence, which parents will appreciate. Roy's digital illustrations are multicolored with a grainy pixilation that evokes Warhol. This pop-art feel is particularly evident in the children's skin and hair tones--neon green, pink, blue, orange, etc. The effect is of a multicultural (though unfortunately not all abilities) mélange, and that same glorious hodgepodge is evident in action lines, backgrounds, and especially clothing. Energy and movement jump from each page. Particularly artful examples include kinesis lines that look respectively like fan blades and the contours of a tornado for "CAN YOU SPIN AROUND LIKE A CEILING FAN?" An exhilarating celebration of motion. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
