Let's Rumble!
A Rough-and-Tumble Book of Play
Illustrated by Jose Pimienta
Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop
Release date: July 8, 2025
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Author Interview
Description
When the oldest and youngest siblings decide to rumble, they do so with great imagination and careful consent. Wrecking ball! Steamroller! Bear hug! Sandwich!... The list goes on of inspiringly creative physical play scenarios, with a running narration of text bubbles between kids. When the middle sibling decides to join, the other two inform her of their safe word (“Cantaloupe”), which means “Stop everything!” An engaging and encouraging model of healthy rough-and-tumble play, the benefits of which are explained in pointer-rich back matter for adults.
Reviews & Praise
“A day of indoor tussling ends not in tears but in sibling togetherness—and opportunities for more creative play. A fun approach to helping rambunctious kids
navigate boundaries.”
— Kirkus Reviews, April 4, 2025
“Filled with imaginative and fluid illustrations in muted colors, the spare text draws you from page to page as you follow the active play of a set of siblings. This isn’t the old “noogie” play with older siblings, but a wonderful set of words and images which depict rough
but respectful play.”
- Patricia Uttaro, book blooger and former director of Rochester Public Library
“With the proliferation of digital media, children are getting less time to talk and share physical play with their parents. But these are both essential! I highly recommend this extraordinary book that not only celebrates rough-and-tumble play, but offers safety guidelines, numerous games, a list of benefits, and useful tips as well. It is absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to use this book with my grandchildren!”
- Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, creator of the award-winning early literacy program
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