Boing! by Nick Bruel

Title: Boing!

Author: Nick Bruel

Reading Level: Ages 4 - 7

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publication: Roaring Brook Press

Mama Kangaroo teaches her young one how to jump in this delightful picture book "Boing!". When Joey failed to mimic Mama, his friends Grasshopper, Rabbit and Frog come to aid and cheer him with their leaps and encouraging words like "You can do it!" or "It's easy" or "Your turn". Despite their positive words, Joey could only manage a weak "bloomp" or a "blop". When All else fails, the Koala bear, a quite observer on the tree climbs down to unravel the mystery. He asks Joey to reveal the contents of his pocket and then to empty it. Hordes of stuff like a sock, toy dinosaur, piggy bank, buttons, candy bars, marbles and rock come tumbling out of his pocket. With the assorted belongings strewn on the ground, Joey finally manages to leap to Mama with a big Booooinnnnggg!!!

This is a beautifully illustrated book with watercolor paintings and a little text on every page. And, the huge pop-up at the end of the book adds a pleasant surprise to it. This book is not quite age-appropriate for my daughter, but we just look at the pictures and she loves to hear the "Boing", "Bloomp" and "Blop"s on each page. Its cute to watch how her expression changes from one page to the next. She does look visibly upset each time Joey makes a futile attempt and points her finger at him (as if to encourage him) whenever she hears "You can do it" or "Your turn". She likes to point out Joey's possessions, piggy bank and doll being her favorites, as she waits in anticipation if Joey could really manage the feat. And, the happy smile that adorns her face in response to Joey's joyous leap at the end is just priceless!! We always end up cuddling after this book, just like Mama and Joey.

One warning - This is not a bedtime book though. Joey could nudge your little one to leap and bounce on the bed (just like my daughter), so reserve it for a morning or an after-nap read :)

My Rating: 4/5