Promotional Information

This innovative, visually stunning picture book introduces simple rhythmic patterns to the youngest children in a riot of wonderful shout-out-loud words and cavorting animals.

About the Author

Steve studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Bristol Art College and then worked as a designer in Bristol. He moved to Manchester in the 1990s, working at various design and advertising agencies and exhibiting his work in galleries in Stockport, Macclesfield, Bristol and Manchester. He now works as a freelance designer and lives in the Peak District with his wife and children.

Reviews

A clever exploraton of beat, pulse and rhythm . . . Cartoon-like illustrations are vividly coloured and will appeal greatly to younger children . . . This book would prove useful to pre-school teachers
*Inis*

Not a book for a quiet read at bedtime but one to be shouted out loud . . . A great romp of noise
*South Wales Argus*

A great book for reading aloud . . . An absolute riot for group activities
*Who Minds*

An excellent book that thoroughly deserves a place in every early years setting
*Early Years Educator*

PreS-Gr 1-Simply by using the syllables in animal names, Webb creates an enjoyable and musical picture book. Tanka the elephant and his friend Skunk beat out a cadence on their drums, "Skunka Tanka/Skunka Tanka/Tanka/Tanka/Skunk." This verse serves as a refrain as they meet other creatures and say their names: "And this is caterpillar./His name has four beats./Cat-er-pil-lar"). Although the story is without a plot, its celebration of sound brings to mind the off-Broadway show STOMP, which capitalizes on unconventional ways that music and rhythm resonate in our lives. Brightly colored background squares show off the heavy black outlines of the cartoon animals. Various sizes and shapes of font draw emphasis to the accents and patterns of the words. Storytime audiences will revel in the beat when this book is used as a filler between longer plot-driven stories or as a culminating activity after marching around the room as a band.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

A clever exploraton of beat, pulse and rhythm . . . Cartoon-like illustrations are vividly coloured and will appeal greatly to younger children . . . This book would prove useful to pre-school teachers * Inis *
Not a book for a quiet read at bedtime but one to be shouted out loud . . . A great romp of noise * South Wales Argus *
A great book for reading aloud . . . An absolute riot for group activities * Who Minds *
An excellent book that thoroughly deserves a place in every early years setting * Early Years Educator *