Hip-Hop Lollipop

PreS-Gr 1—Lollie, an African American preschooler, loves to dance and hip-hop is her favorite groove. Her big sister Tasha jams to techno—"She glides heel-to-toe in slo-mo," but Lollie is all about "Hands tutting. Knees jutting. Arms cranking. Body swanking. Hip gyration. Exultation!" Even when Mama says it's time for bed, the child keeps on jiving and Tasha joins right in. Next, Daddy calls "It's bedtime!" and the girls keep up their pop 'n' locking to the music as they brush their teeth, change into pajamas, and turn down the music. Lollie settles in at last, and before long, is dreaming her hip-hop dreams. Montanari's infectious text, full of rhyme, repetition, and onomatopoeia, begs to be read aloud. Pinkney's fluid artwork, done in rainbow-hued watercolor and India ink, captures a warm and loving family vibe.