Bea Reviews Up, Up, Up, Down! by Kimberly Gee

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: May 7th, 2019
Buying Links: Amazon*  | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository  | Google Play | Kobo | * affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Follow an energetic toddler's day with Dad that's full of opposites - up and down, make and break, yum and yuck, and more.


From his first demand to be picked up and then immediately put down, opposites pop up all day long for this energetic boy. Breakfast is no, no, no, yes! At the sandbox, it's make, make, make, break! And jumping into the pool goes from can't, can't, can't, to can!

Kimberly Gee's expressive illustrations emphasize the loving connection between a boy and his father in this clever concept book about everyday highs and lows that is sure to entertain little (and big!) members of the family.

My Thoughts:

"Up, Up, Up, Down!" is a fun, rhythmic, accurate depiction of a toddler's day.

With simple, minimal text, adorable pictures, and gentle humor, we see a toddler boy and his dad go about their day. Using contrasting concepts, Gee perfectly captures a toddler's quick-changing moods, contrariness, and glee. Dad is patient, loving, and occasionally stern. Parents and toddlers alike will relate to the child's activities and behavior. I read this book several times with my class of toddlers, current age range 13 months to 24 months. While they liked it, especially the page where the boy strips his clothes off, they didn't love it nor did they once request it.

I thought the book was delightful and thoroughly enjoyed it. One aspect I enjoyed was that the dad was the stay-at-home parent and the mom was the out-of-the house working parent. Additionally, the family was African American. Too often, the default is Caucasian even when there's no need for it.

"Up, Up, Up, Down!" is a charming and delightful picture book that many children and parents will enjoy.