From his first moments of awakening, one busy boy (with dog in tow) rushes at a frantic pace to get ready, get out the door, catch the bus, do his school work, and hurry home again. The stress induced by this pace (and the prevalent but untrue notion that busyness is akin to success—”hurry if you want to win”) is front and center as children scurry around to the increasingly abrasive call of “Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.” A world of gray horizons (with color in only the boy’s immediate surroundings) blossoms into one of full color as the boy hearkens to the call to “STOP,” slow down, breathe, explore, marvel and “Look around, for goodness’ sake.” The readers’ experience mimics that of the boy’s and one may find oneself taking a deep breath and enjoying the little details as the pace changes with a subtle reminder that life (and particularly childhood) is meant to be experienced, not rushed. This mindful and intentional read feels authentic rather than contrived or preachy—in part aided by its use of illustrations to tell a story—and is a welcome reminder to stop and smell the roses.

What Kind of Book is Hurry Up!: A Book About Slowing Down

Where Does This Book Stand Out

Everyday Core Feeling
The “Everyday Core Feeling” badge is awarded to exceptional books addressing common but powerful feelings.

Reviews

Grammy

6.00

Marmee

6.00

An excellent reminder to take a breathe, enjoy our surroundings and breathe, especially for children whose schedules are becoming increasingly full in their (parents') efforts to excel.

Mom of Boys

5.50

B is for Bookworm

5.00

The Goodfather

5.50

With short lines of poetry and a quick cadence that remind me of a Dr. Seuss poem, this book really struck a chord with our family, where we've been doing so much "hurry, hurry, hurry" that my child recently commented about it and said, "I don't want to always be hurrying." The illustrations are really fun, with the child's scribbled hair and the simplified depiction of settings. I wish that the transition from "hurry" to "easy does it" was explored a little more—it's hard to change mindsets and habits that have us hurrying through life. Also, I thought that by the end of the book the pendulum swung a little too far—the book ends by promising "lazy days ahead." I would have preferred it stick with simply encouraging a measured, unhurried approach to our days. Overall though I really liked the book and it's relevance to our circumstances.

Book Lists That Include This Book

Books about anxiety

Be Kind: You Can Make the World a Happier Place! 125 Kind Things to Say & Do

16 Words: William Carlos Williams and "The Red Wheelbarrow"

Books about mindfulness

Pirate Nell's Tale to Tell: A Storybook Adventure

Books about dogs

The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Kate Dopirak

Kate Dopirak (1975-2018) loved walking her puppy, watching her sons play basketball, and convincing her husband to share a cheese plate instead of wings. She also loved to write for kids. Kate was a teacher, a reading specialist, and the Assistant Regional Advisor for Western Pennsylvania SCBWI. Her books include You’re My Boo; Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car; and Hurry Up. Visit her at KateDopirak.com.

Illustrator

Christopher Silas Neal

Christopher Silas Neal is an award-winning author and illustrator of picture books including Over and Under the Snow with author Kate Messner, which was praised for its “stunning retro-style illustrations” (New York Times) along with Over and Under The Pond and Up In the Garden and Down in The Dirt. Neal’s author debut titled “Everyone” was praised by Publisher’s Weekly as “simple, honest, lyrical”. His board book series (Animals Colors, Animal Shapes) received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus. He creates book jackets, art for magazines and posters. He speaks about his books, the art making process, and his career at schools, conferences, libraries and book festivals across the country. He lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.