Outdoor Opposites

PreS-Gr 1—Some friends set out on a camping trip. As in any group experience, the kids don't all like to do the exact same things. In fact, the characters seem to celebrate the fact that they have the choice to do opposite activities. The illustrations are filled with bright colors that invite readers to explore the outdoors. Most spreads feature text that identifies opposite activities supported by the corresponding illustrations. For example, one spread displays the text "I can jump in, or I can jump out." A girl and some ducks are seen splashing into a pond while the opposing page shows a girl jumping out of the pond with some frogs. Each page offers a balanced mix of genders and races and the illustrations support the concepts. The text works well as a rhythmic picture book, but also has an accompanying CD to use the text as song lyrics. This book is a welcome departure from standard fare about opposites that only shows opposing words. Instead, this one offers space for conversation on similarities and differences among individual interests.