Read-Alikes
If you enjoyed Wiggle, be sure to check out Doreen Cronin’s other fine books that support our theme of fitness:
 Bounce (2007)
 Stretch (new in fall 2009)
Following are some other books that promote fitness among the very young.
Story Books
 Bobbie Dazzler by Margaret Wild
Bobbie, an energetic wallaby, can hop and skip and bounce, but she can’t do the splits. “Never mind,” say her friends. But Bobbie does mind—a lot! Bobbie finally reaches her goal.
 Dance With Me by Charles R. Smith
Illustrations and simple rhyming text encourage the reader to wiggle, shake, and twirl to the beat. The pictures depict multi-ethnic children in an urban setting and rhymes provide opportunities for movement and interaction.
 Doing the Animal Bop by Jan Ormerod and Lindsey Gardiner
Children will enjoy chances for animal imitation, movement and interaction in groups as they view big, colorful illustrations and listen to the fun story. This book comes with a music compact disc.
 From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
Animals and multi-ethnic children illustrate various body movements on large, double-page spreads. The repetitive text has the animal starting the movement and asking, “Can you do it?” Each child responds, “I can do it.”
 Murphy Meets the Treadmill by Harriet Ziefert
Having decided that her yellow Labrador dog is overweight, Cheryl puts him on a diet and makes him exercise, a program which has marvelous results.
Off We Go! by Jane Yolen
One by one, baby woodland creatures leave home and sing their way to visit grandma.
Ready, Set, Skip by Jane O’Conner
A little girl thinks she can’t skip. She demonstrates the other things she can do—leap, creep, twirl, skate, even burp. Eventually her mom teaches her to skip and she loves it.
Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton
One evening Russell finds that all the sheep are resting peacefully except for himself. He tries many things before finally counting sheep, which works beautifully. Children and adults will appreciate the humor and illustrations as they learn the importance of a good night’s sleep.
Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen by Cari Best
When Sally Jean outgrows her beloved bicycle, Flash, she experiments with various ideas for acquiring a new, bigger one. Much more text suitable for older children but a really fun book.
Scoot! By Cathryn Falwell
Six silent turtles sit still as stones on a log, as energetic movement by the other animals in the pond happens all around them. Illustrations and rhyming alliterative text makes this good for sharing with a group.
 Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball by Vicki Churchill
Easy reading, simple rhyming story about a wombat who likes to jump, scream, walk, stand, make faces, make a mess, run, and curl up like a ball—with a parent?
Nonfiction
 The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness by Lizzy Rockwell
An introduction to the human body, how it functions, and its need for exercise. While best for 4 and older, the colorful illustrations make it usable for younger children one on one.
Clap Your Hands by Lorinda Bryan Cauly
Rhyming text instructs the listener to find something yellow, roar like a lion, give a kiss, tell a secret, spin in a circle, and perform other playful activities along with the human and animal characters pictured. Supports gross motor skills, portrays multi-ethnic children, and provides for movement and interaction.
 Get Up and Go! by Nancy Carlson
Text and illustrations encourage readers, regardless of shape or size, to turn off the television and play games, walk, dance, and engage in sports and other forms of exercise. Also touches aspects of nutrition, rest, sportsmanship, and more.
 Happy Healthy Monsters: Get Moving with Grover by Abigail Tabby
Probably best shared one on one or with a small group, this is a simple Sesame Street-based way to get kids moving on the road to fitness. Provides chances for movement and interaction, a “Note to Parents” with simple tips for physical activity, the importance of sleep and rest, movement and play, and nutritious foods for a healthy lifestyle.
 Lazy Days of Summer by Judy Young
Using poetry and prose, this book relives many of the familiar games of childhood and invites young readers to join along in playing Kick the Can, Monkey in the Middle, and Double Dutch jump rope. Origins of the games are included.
Little Yoga: A Toddler’s First Book of Yoga by Rebecca Whitford and Martina Selway
Simple illustrations of toddlers and animals make this a good book for group sharing. Includes a “Note to Parents and Caregivers” with practice tips, brief explanation of poses, and photos of toddlers practicing the various postures. Provides opportunities for animal imitation, movement, and interaction.
Move! by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
Animals move! Follow them as they swing, dance, float, leap, and slide from page to page. Learn why these animals move the way they do. Large colorful illustrations work well with a group and provide opportunities for imitation, movement, and interaction.
Sleepy Little Yoga, by Rebecca Whitford and Martina Selway
Pictures and simple text portraying toddlers in yoga positions make this book good for sharing. Includes a “Note to Parents and Caregivers” with practice tips, brief explanation of poses, and photos of toddlers practicing the various yoga positions.
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