Tiptoe Joe by Ginger Foglesong Gibson (review)

Gathering his animal pals one by one, Joe the bear implores them to follow him on tiptoe, beginning with Donkey: "Donkey, Donkey, come with me. I know something you should see." The donkey ("CLOP, CLOP") is soon joined by Rabbit, Turkey, Moose, Owl, and Beaver, each bringing their own unique rhythmic accompaniment to a semi-cumulative chorus. After quite a hike on tippy-toe, Joe leads the animals to his cave, where his wife is holding two baby cubs: "Tiptoe, tiptoe, softly creep. Here's my secret, fast asleep." The catchy repeated phrases and varying sounds of animal locomotion make this a satisfying readaloud for young children, with plenty of opportunity for audience participation. Primary graders may also find this within reach as a readalone title, thanks to the fairly simple vocabulary and the support offered by the text's use of pattern and repetition and by its large, clear font. The watercolor art is warm and cheery, with soft hues and sweet animal faces echoing the tender tone of the text. Joe is a winsome fellow with his rosy cheeks, shaggy brown fur, and snazzy red Chuck Taylors, and the other animals, each with their own item of clothing or stylish accessory, are equally attractive. At the story's end, readers may want to revisit a diagram on the book's opening pages which outlines Joe's route, including color-coded dots (the colors match each animal's accessory or clothing) for each of his stops. Add this to a bear- or baby animal-themed storytime or perhaps use it to remind boisterous youngsters how to tread quietly.