City Street Beat

PreS-Gr 2—For the duration of a day, two peppy little girls enjoy a visit with one another while dancing along bustling streets and listening to rhythms in the city sounds. The girls hear catchy rock and hip-hop beats, from ordinary people walking, musicians playing, the bake-shop bell ringing, a trash truck rumbling, birds eating, and more. With an absence of dialogue and the inclusion of a recurring verse, the book is marked by a descriptive rhyming writing style that progresses at a jaunty pace. Bakos's perky full-color artwork re-creates the movement found within the city. A multicultural cast of adult and juvenile city goers engages in an abundance of activities common to an urban environment. At times, the girls appear to be unsupervised as they take in their adventure, but a few scenes with parents nearby will reassures readers that familiar adults are around. Also among the busy details are whimsical and dainty mice that reappear throughout. There is much to see in this cheerful tale that will stimulate readers' imaginations while showcasing city life. As an extension of the story, encourage children to listen for rhythms in the sounds of their school or home surroundings.—Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH