Kids Do, Animals Too

Linda Ludke is a children’s librarian at the London Public Library.

In this accessible book for preschoolers, 10 pairs of opposites are
introduced. The brief text and familiar playground scenes convey such
concepts as in/out (“Jillian is in the stroller. Noah is out”),
on/off (“Ellen sits on a swing. Karim jumps off”), and wet/dry
(“Splish-splash! Rosa is wet. Peter stays dry in the sand”). The
corresponding word is highlighted in the top corner of each page.
Animals also have their own parallel story: “A family of mice curl up
in their nest. Two mice scramble out.” The brief sentences are
well-written and can also spark discussion on synonyms and antonyms

Nora Hilb’s softly hued watercolour illustrations make the
comparisons very clear. Multicultural children line up at a water
fountain to demonstrate ahead/behind. A frisky puppy on a leash runs
quickly with a girl on one page in contrast to a little boy and his
large dog being pulled “s-l-o-w-l-y” in a red wagon. The detailed
scenes also encourage readers to search for opposites in their own
environment. Recommended.