Let's Rumble! A Rough-and-Tumble Book of Play
CCBC Review:
Clear pencil-and-ink drawings with bright digital coloring inspire activity in a book that intentionally encourages physical play. Straightforward dialogue between a parent and two children (brown-skinned) and corresponding illustrations depict imaginative rough-housing in a home setting. “Earthquake!” “Wrecking Ball!” “Rolling Pin!” and “Doughnut” are a few of the expressions and wrestling-style moves enacted by parent and a younger child who uses a hearing aid. When an older sibling wants to join in, the need for a code word is explained so that the play remains safe and fun for all. Occasional full-page illustrations convey the make-believe scenarios, such as when the parent dogpiles on the kids in a “sandwich” move (an animated picture shows the parent lying on the supine siblings amidst the layers of a bread, cheese, lettuce, and deli meat sandwich). For families familiar with creative physical play, this book might offer some new moves or reminders about safe boundaries. For novice wrestling families, the book suggests easy ways to engage in silly, consenting, full-body play. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Jose Pimienta
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Communication
Deaf and Hearing Impaired People
Siblings
Diversity subject:
Brown Skin Unspecified
Cognitive/Neurological Disability/Condition
Publishers:
Penguin Random House, Rise x Penguin Workshop
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780593750698
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Payne