Hurry Up!: A Book about Slowing Down

Kids aren't exempt from fast-paced living, especially not the brown-skinned child who stars in this prescription for downtime by the late Dopirak (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car). Neal (From Tree to Sea) visualizes its opening words with images of the child dashing down the stairs and out to the bus: "Hurry up!/ Hurry down./ Hurry round and round... and round." At school, the classroom teems with activity ("Hurry here!/ Hurry there!/ Hurry, scurry everywhere!"), and the sprint continues back home, snarled by the family pup tugging at a shoelace. Out for a walk, child and dog continue at the breakneck pace until "STOP!" appears in large letters across the sky, a message from the universe. A page turn reveals a world transformed and on pause. Everything is green as child and pup watch a snail ("Slow things down"), and a tossed stick tumbles lazily end over end before reaching the leaping dog ("Take a break"). A long, luxurious afternoon ends at dusk as the pair head home. Neal's visual pacing takes readers from frenetic activity to solitary moonlit slumber in one smooth arc, embodying the shift to calm that all creatures crave--and need. Ages up to 8. Author's agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary. Illustrator's agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House. (May)

K-Gr 2--Many people would benefit from the important messages urged in this book--slow down, breathe deeply, and take a walk in nature. Readers meet a child rushing to complete the responsibilities of each day. With hair flying and a backpack on, the child is always hurrying at home and at school in order to "win" and "reach the top." Finally, a spread with just the word STOP brings a halt to the child's breakneck pace. The child takes a break, makes a wish, goes on a walk, and listens to "the forest talk." The rhymes in the latter half of the story are gentle and sweet, as the child and a steadfast dog enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a beautifully green world. VERDICT For collections seeking a secular message of paths to peace, this unexpected admonishment turns into a well-paced meditation for children and adults alike.--Sally James, South Hillsborough Elem. Sch., Hillsborough, CA