From the Publisher
Little ones can explore spring and their five sense along with bunny Hoppy in Hopgood's latest concept book . . . Just the ticket for a little bit of learning on a cold winter day when spring seems far away.” —Kirkus Reviews
“An appended double-page spread revisits the five senses and what each told Hoppy about the coming of spring. The simply written story provides a suitable framework for this dual-purpose picture book . . . Appealing illustrations use bold images, springlike colors, and varied textures.” —Booklist
Children's Literature - Heidi Hauser Green
Hoppy the rabbit is hopeful about a seasonal change when he emerges from his burrow, but he sees a land covered with snow. Icy grass is not a good sign, either. When the air smells fresh and he sees blooming trees and hears singing birds, Hoppy can tell that winter might be over. Additional signs include blossoming flowers, sheep in the pasture, and the presence of fresh grass. At the top of the hill, Hoppy wants to share the joy with others and thumps his foot until friends appear. Since this is a “first book about the 5 senses,” readers are invited to consider what they can hear as well as what Hoppy hears, what they can smell as well as what Hoppy smells, and so on. This is a lovely addition to Hopgood’s Wow! Said the Owl, a book focused on colors. Preschool, kindergarten, and even first grade students are likely to enjoy this sweet story of exploration, nature, and the senses. This is sure to be a favorite at story time and bedtime alike. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green; Ages 3 to 8.
Kirkus Reviews
2014-11-18
Little ones can explore spring and their five senses along with bunny Hoppy in Hopgood's latest concept book.The story itself is very simple: Hoppy is waiting for spring, and each day, tests the sights, smells and feelings from the top of his burrow. "Too cold" and "too icy" are followed by a beautiful spring day, with birdsong, the scent of flowers, lambs in the meadow, the taste of fresh grass and the warmth of the ground. And do not forget the joys of sharing all these wonderful spring harbingers with friends. It will be hard for readers to remain unmoved in the presence of the energetic and life-loving Hoppy, his nose an endearing pink heart. His every emotional is writ large in the collage-style illustrations (they appear to be digital, though the textures are those of many media, including chalk and crayon), and it won't be long before they are chiming in with every one of Hoppy's "Hooray!"s. Hopgood's scribbly style will appeal to budding artists, and his colors evoke spring. A double-page spread in the backmatter lists the five senses and asks readers what they can hear, smell, see, taste and touch, bringing the lesson back to the story with small inset pictures of the things Hoppy sensed and asking readers to identify them. Just the ticket for a little bit of learning on a cold winter day when spring seems far away. (Picture book. 3-5)
