All Fall Down

One might reasonably expect this board book from Barrett and Pham to riff on "Ring Around the Rosie." But while a scene featuring that game closes out the book, Barrett celebrates lightly destructive fun of all kinds, whether it involves toy blocks, sticks and stones, or dinner: "Spoon potatoes in a mound, / plopping green peas all around./ Plunk spoon and cup atop the plate./ Daddy reaches out--too late!/ All fall down!" Working in gouache, Pham offers a multicultural crew of kids who couldn't be more excited about building things up and then sending them flying. Simultaneously available: Pat-a-Cake. Ages 2-5. Illustrator's agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (Jan.)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS--These board books expand well-known nursery rhymes into common toddler experiences. All Fall Down shows the many things that can fall, from a tower of blocks to a mound of mashed potatoes. In Pat-a-Cake, toddlers start with a cake and move on to pat a kiwi, an acorn, a caterpillar, and more. Each scenario is illustrated with Pham's exuberant artwork, featuring bright colors and happy children. Both books end with a picture of a family enjoying being together. While the words are different, Barrett has stayed faithful to the rhythm of the original rhymes, making both titles easy to read and enjoyable to hear. Solid choices for most collections.--Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Barrett celebrates lightly destructive fun of all kinds, whether it involves toy blocks, sticks and stones, or dinner... Working in gouache, Pham offers a multicultural crew of kids who couldn't be more excited about building things up and then sending them flying.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

[B]uoyant energy and equally diverse cast. ... [Y]oungesters will recognize the exuberance represented here as their own. With its companion title, a playful romp in a please-touch-and-explore world.
—Kirkus Reviews

Each scenario is illustrated with Pham's exuberant artwork, featuring bright colors and happy children. ... Barrett has stayed faithful to the rhythm of the original rhymes, making [All Fall Down] easy to read and enjoyable to hear.
—School Library Journal