This picture book could serve as the early childhood chronicle of Tim Federle's unforgettable Nate (Better Nate than Ever; Five, Six, Seven, Nate!), if Nate had had parents who encouraged his talents from the get-go.
"Tommy's gotta bop. (He can't keep still.)," writes Federle of his constantly moving hero. He bounces like a pogo stick throughout the house, ricochets a soccer ball in the kitchen ("I'm a bulldozer!" says he), and hurdles like an antelope in the living room (knocking over a lamp). When his parents and sister try to tire out Tommy, it backfires. At least his dog appreciates him. Mark Fearing (Earthling!) conveys the hero's kinetic energy in images of a boy who rarely touches down, casting shadows on the floor beneath him. One morning Mom takes Tommy to dance class ("I'm not touching a tutu!" he cries). But his pogo stick hops, bulldozer moves and antelope leaps work well with his teacher's choreography. Finally Tommy has found just the right outlet for his indefatigable personality: "Tommy's got talent!" Fearing portrays Tommy center stage in a spotlight, with delighted faces on his parents, and his sister videotaping his big moment from the audience.
Federle suggests that all children have a calling, it just may take a little time to figure out what that is. Fearling depicts a loving family that, while slightly inconvenienced by Tommy's antics, is thrilled that he is able to harness his energy for something he loves. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness