Move Over Rover

Beaumont, Karen. 2006. MOVE OVER ROVER. Ill. by Jane Dyer. San Diego: Harcourt. ISBN 0152019790 [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

REVIEW
A storm is coming and Rover, the dog, heads to his doghouse to stay warm and dry. However, he’s not the only animal in search of warmth and comfort. Succeeding animals see him asleep all cozy in his house and join him with the refrain “Move over, Rover.” The rhyming text makes for an excellent read aloud and the repetitive lines associated with each animal invite audience participation. The rhymes are cumulative so that children have the opportunity to join in. Beaumont’s easy rhymes are natural and unforced producing seamless fluid speech. Her word choices are either alliterative or rhyming: “ Make room, Raccoon!” and “Squeeze in Squirrel!” Children will also enjoy anticipating the ending rhymes.

Jane Dyer’s illustrations vividly bring the text alive. Done in watercolor and liquid acrylics, Dyer’s double-page spreads fill each page all the way to each corner. Close observation reveals each of the animals on the opening pages and then each animal gets its own spread with Rover in the doghouse. Large enough for all to see, this would make a great book to read aloud to a group.

Karen Beaumont, and her illustrator, Jane Dyer, have fashioned an exceptional picture book. Great rhymes, vivid illustrations, and just the right tone – not too silly or too serious— which will be enjoyed many times over again.

CONNECTIONS
Invite children to add animals to the doghouse and come up with either an alliteration or rhyme to go with each animal.

RELATED BOOKS
By the same author:
Beaumont, Karen. BEING FRIENDS. ISBN 0803725299
Beaumont, Karen. I AIN’T GONNA PAINT NO MORE! ISBN 0152024883


By Cay Geisler