cover image Play! Play! Play!

Play! Play! Play!

Douglas Florian, illus. by Christiane Engel. Little Bee, $6.99 (18p) ISBN 978-1-4998-0484-3

Florian uses repetition and rhyme to deliciously fun effect in this rip-roaring celebration of playtime. “Let’s go out and play! play! play!/ We’ll have fun all day! day! day!” he begins, adopting the collective voice of the children in verse that wants to be shouted or chanted as much as read. Engel’s bold digital colleges have an equally childlike energy as she shows a racially diverse crew of kids running, riding bicycles, playing dress-up, and more. The takeaway: there’s no wrong way to “play! play! play!” and everyone is invited. Simultaneously available: Bath! Bath! Bath! Ages 3–6. Author’s agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. Illustrator’s agency: Good Illustration. (Feb.)