JUST THINK!

Stylized art captures the life and seasons of a young teddy-bear-toting girl. When Mom wants her to walk quickly, she thinks of fast things and she is quick. When Mom—“or some other poke-along person”—wants her to walk slowly, she thinks of things that are slow: “trailing strings, elephants strolling.” Finally, the “tip-toe” person invokes quiet “and I’m sleepy.” While intended for younger listeners, older preschoolers can use their imaginations much like the little girl, drawing parallels with the simple actions she is asked to perform. Placement of people and objects make the viewer’s eye sweep the page from left to right, training young eyes for reading. Flowing movement of falling leaves, apple trees, and groups of bees point toward the serene little girl and mirror her thoughts. Though one never completely sees mother, her presence is strongly felt as a comforting tie to family and universe. Useful as the last book read at a storytime or at bedtime as the little girl’s fulfilling day comes to an end on a winter night. (Picture book. 3-4)