Recommended for ages 0-4
Who Hops takes a funny look at animals who hop, swim, fly or crawl – and which animals do not. Asking the opening question, “Who hops?”, the book teaches children about the animal world. We learn that frogs hop, as do rabbits, kangaroos and cows – wait, cows? Even the cow appears distressed! The author quickly corrects herself, noting that “Cows moo and give milk, but they don’t hop!”
The questions continue, asking who flies, who slithers, who swims and who crawls, with similar groupings of animals that do and one animal that doesn’t, with hilarious responses. The exaggerated facial expressions on the odd animals out are laugh-out-loud funny, and the day-glo artwork, outlined in bold black outlines, assures that all readers will be able to see and enjoy the book. The artwork is simple – line drawings, filled in with fluorescent colors – and the text is in bold, black font.
The book is a good companion to Jan Thomas’ What Will Fat Cat Sit On? and can be read as part of a silly animal read-aloud. Readers can participate by calling out when the story reaches the animal that doesn’t hop, fly, slither, swim or crawl. The author’s website features a printable matching game, where readers can match the animal to his activity. There are also songs and fingerplays about animals and how they move that would make for a fun read-aloud.
The book has received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, National Parenting Publications Honors, and designation as a Book Sense 76 Pick.
Mom Read It 