The Balancing Act

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2 Children who enjoyed Peek's Roll Over (Houghton, 1981) will undoubtedly enjoy this verse, which first has one elephant balancing ``step by step on a piece of string'' and then one by one brings the number to ten before the string breaks and the elephants tumble to the net. Peek's animal characters from Mary Wore Her Red Dress and Henry Wore His Green Sneakers (Clarion, 1985) are visiting an amusement part. The amusement park attractions occupy the animals as the elephants perform in the background. Eventually as the elephant act grows, so does the interest of the animals, and they enter the Elephantland Arena just in time to see the elephants tumble. Peek's illustrations are vibrant and irridescent. The elephants are splendid in hot pink, lime green, sherbet orange, warm lavender, and icy blue colors. This verse, with its rhythmic refrain, is sure to be popular, particularly with these luscious illustrations. The score is included in the author's note. A superb counting book. Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, Iowa