WIGGLE GIGGLE TICKLE TRAIN

The imagination of preschoolers gets a boost of realism from photographs in this collaboration. Following an ethnically diverse group of children through their day of play, the authors highlight not only their pretend play but the other activities that occupy their time: coloring, playing in the pool, pouring water for the dog, getting a ride on Dad’s shoulders. Bouncy rhyming verses use simple language and great rhythm to engage the youngest listeners: “Up with the sunrise, / color it bright. / Dazzle and sparkle, such fiery light. / Good morning!” Left-hand pages feature Marcela Cabezas Hilb’s photographs of the objects depicted in the text, in this case a fiery sunrise. Right-hand pages show Nora Hilb’s charming watercolor illustrations of adorable children engaged in pretending. While the artwork is detailed, there are no backgrounds to divert the focus from the children’s activities. Preschoolers will certainly see sticks, boxes and chairs in a new light. An enthusiastic salute to the power of imagination. (Picture book. 2-4)