When it is time to return home from the park, tired toddler Thomas asks Mom to carry him. A wonderfully funky, contemporary, creative young woman, she suggests that they jump home instead of walking. "She hitches up her pants and bends her knees," and the two hop off. When the tot tires of this and asks again to be carried, Mom convinces him to pretend to swim, fly, and finally run and chase, laughing all the way home. The two are framed by a confection of candy colors and accompanied in the clever illustrations by an increasing mélange of toys, fairies, bugs, birds, and various other companions that mirror the glee or distress of the pair. The succinct and bright text is perfectly matched by the light, sparkling art and expressive faces on the frizzy-haired mom and sweet child. Parents (who may pick up tips for the next time they are in this situation) and toddlers will enjoy this refreshing romp.– Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha's Public Library, WI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.