Bim, Bam, Bop… and Oona by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrations by Larry Day, University of Minnesota Press, 2019. 9781517912963
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Paperback picture book
What did you like about the book? Bim, Bam, and Bop have “long legs, long necks, fast feet- legs for running, not waddling.” While Oona has “short legs, big round chest, flat feet- legs for waddling, not running.” Thus the trio always makes it to the pond before her settling in the shade under the willow tree. Oona decides she will build a gizmo to get her to the pond first, an alarm clock – only it does not succeed. She decides to develop her strength by exercising – but this fails as well. When she builds a flying machine she finally makes it to the pond first! The other three ducks are so impressed they beg to ride the contraption with her! Pen and watercolor two-page illustrations, in farmyard shades, create a cozy story that will inspire young readers.
Anything you did not like about the book? No.
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a story about persistence and ingenuity, a “I think I can” story that will inspire children to follow Oona’s example. Pair it with other books on perseverance such as The Little Engine that Could by Piper or The Cow Who Climbed a Tree by Merino.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Contributor, Youth Services Book Review
Date of Review: April 25, 2022
Youth Services Book Review 
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