A little girl arrives at the playground with her dad and baby sister, fast asleep in the pram. She calls out to a new friend, ‘Hello! See my baby? She’s asleep. I gave her a little sheep.’
Then they’re off – running to play.
Up they climb the tower, down the ramp, hanging on tight, over the bridge and through the tunnel. Up! Down! Under! Through! ‘Boo!’
They race to the swings, soaring high, then low, high, then low. Up the steps of the slippery dip – and stop. Ready? Go! Wheeeee! ‘Let’s go again!’
This lively picture book explores position and movement words, many of them opposites. Later, as they sit with the grown-ups and the baby, we see above and below, beside and between. Empty, full. In, out and top and bottom. There is lots to have fun with in this playground: dig for dinosaurs, climb down backwards.
The illustrations are simple and vibrant, perfectly complementing the playful, read-aloud text.
As she’s proven countless times Jane Godwin is so skilled at writing for children. Up, Down, Over, Through is cleverly crafted so that amid all the fun at the park – smiles wide and hair flying – we are learning without even realising it.
Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 3+
Read our interview with Jane Godwin here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jane Godwin is the author of many award-winning stories for young people, including her bestselling picture books with Anna Walker, Sadie and the Silver Shoes, What Do You Wish For?, Today We Have No Plans, All Through the Year, and Little Cat and the Big Red Bus. Jane has also collaborated with Andrew Joyner on the delightful picture books How Big Is Too Small? and Bear Make Den. Visit her at JaneGodwin.com.au.
Visit Jane Godwin’s website here.
Follow Jane Godwin on Instagram here.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Kim Drane is a neurodivergent illustrator and storybook author based in Melbourne, known for her bold, colourful designs and playful storytelling. She began her creative journey as a 2D animator before pivoting to picture books, where her love of narrative continues to shine. Her work on The Phonobet earned her a CBCA New Illustrator shortlist nomination, and she has written and illustrated her own book, Lucy Loves Bugs. Embracing the weird and wonderful, Kim brings a unique, joyful energy to every project.
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