Steppin' out : jaunty rhymes for playful times / poems by Lin Oliver ; illustrated by Tomie dePaola.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Capturing the magic and fun of early childhood, this lively collection of toddler-centric poems, from the creators of Little Poems for Tiny Ears , is a book to be treasured.

Being a toddler means days full of discovery every time you step out of your door. It's a time filled with wonder, at all the sights and sounds of the outdoors and at the huge variety of people there are to meet. This collection of nineteen original poems features little ones eager to explore, whether it's splashing in puddles, riding in an elevator or through a car wash, or visiting the library. They go full-steam ahead to the park, the beach, and dance class, somewhat begrudgingly learn to share and get their first haircut, and enjoy lots of time with their families. Full of contagious rhythm and rhyme, this inviting picture book introduces young children to the sounds of poetry through familiar childhood activities, and beloved illustrator Tomie dePaola's engaging children are the perfect match for Lin Oliver's bouncy poems.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Oliver and dePaola accentuate the positive in this follow-up to 2014's Little Poems for Tiny Ears, which features 19 original poems about moments common to the lives of many children, including outings to the mall, beach, and barbershop, as well as time spent with family. In a welcoming opening touch, a gatefold lets readers open one child's front door as the action moves outdoors: "Step outside and poke around-/ See the sights, hear the sounds./ Grab a hand and come with me./ Let's go see what we can see." Subsequent poems are similarly buoyant, and if there's a drawback to this collection, it's that there isn't much emotional range: Oliver's young cast, painted by dePaola with characteristic warmth and in an array of ethnic backgrounds, are resolutely cheerful, generous, and curious. One boy enjoys "snuggly Grandpa cuddles" after splashing around in the rain with his elder, while a redheaded girl, allowed to choose one item at the mall, immediately shares the fuzzy pink koala with her baby sister. These are happy poems for similarly upbeat kids. Ages 3-5. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Booklist Review

This playful collection of 19 original rhymes touches on common toddler experiences that range from visiting the library to riding an elevator to shopping with Mommy. The poems are short enough for young audiences and demonstrate a pleasing mix of meters and rhymes, resulting in varied selections. The verses also evoke emotions and the senses as they celebrate outside sounds, the taste of Sunday pancakes, and the feel of a rainy day at Grandpa's. DePaola's signature acrylic artwork appears on every page, depicting happy multicultural children engaged in diverse activities. The illustrations employ great variety, keeping each page interesting. For instance, a double-page spread paints an inviting ocean scene in A Beachy Day, while Family Day utilizes a photo-album layout, and Steppin' Out expands horizontally when readers open a big, red door. The collection closes at Day's End, observing, Every day is full of fun, / And tomorrow is another one! A great follow-up to this duo's earlier collaboration, Little Poems for Tiny Ears (2014), this child-friendly anthology should have broad appeal.--Weisman, Kay Copyright 2016 Booklist

Kirkus Book Review

The babies from Little Poems for Tiny Ears (2014) grow into toddlers and explore their world.Nineteen poems follow youngsters as they swing open the front door (a nifty, unexpected gatefold) and step outside to see what awaits. Alas, this collection does not have the same liveliness as Oliver's previous one. Short verses still have snap: "The swing / Is a fling / In / The / Air." But longer ones seem forced, as when the black librarian exclaims, "So many kinds of stories / Are there for you to find. / A book's a special treasure / To delight your busy mind." A multiracial cast of tots explore a set of toddler-specific experiences: a first haircut ("She holds my hand and we begin. / Snip, snip, snipand then a trim"), the unjustness of a one-toy limit at the store ("When we go shopping in the mall, / I look around and want it all!"), a sandbox skirmish ("When he bent down and grabbed my shovel / I knew that we were in for trouble"). DePaola's trademark palette warms and brightens, but too many joyful moments are replaced with explanatory verses, adult-delivered information sadly substituting for discovery. Perhaps an accurate portrayal of toddler life but missing a bit of wonder. (Picture book/poetry. 2-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Lin Oliver (www.linoliver.com) is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty-five books for children. She wrote the picture book Little Poems for Tiny Ears , and has created such series as Hank Zipzer, Ghost Buddy, Almost Identical, and Sound Bender. An accomplished writer and producer of family entertainment, Lin is also the co-founder and executive director of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Tomie dePaola (www.tomie.com) is the acclaimed author and/or illustrator of more than 250 books for children. He received the 2012 Original Art Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Society of Illustrators, and he is the recipient of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, given for a substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature. He received a Newbery Honor for 26 Fairmount Avenue and a Caldecott Honor for Strega Nona . He was awarded the Smithson Medal (from the Smithsonian) and the Regina Medal (from the Catholic Library Association), and was designated a "living treasure" by the state of New Hampshire. His Brava, Strega Nona! , Strega Nona's Harvest , and Strega Nona's Gift were all New York Times bestsellers. He lives in New London, New Hampshire.