Hip & Hop, Don’t Stop
Jef Czekaj
Hyperion Books, 2010

Hip is a turtle who raps very slowly. Hop is a bunny who raps superfast. Although they live in the same county and both love to rap, they have never met. Then, one day when they are both reading a poster advertising a rap contest, they discover each other’s talent for rap. Despite their obvious differences and the lack of support from their other friends who don’t understand why a turtle and a bunny would want to be friends, they begin to hang out together and they become friends.

At the Rap Off, their individual performances are a flop. Hip raps so slowly that no one pays any attention. Hop raps so fast that no one can understand him. Then, they decide to rap together and the audience loves them! They even win the contest.

On the first page, the author suggests reading all of Hip’s words very s l o w l y and all of Hop’s words very, very fast. Although the overall message of the book may be a bit heavy handed for some parents, following the author’s suggestion will certainly make reading this book fun for readers and listeners.