From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K—This picture book begins in a small way, in a kitchen, as a mouse taps a cup with a spoon. Turn the page and readers see the mouse hand the spoon to a cat. From there, more and more animals join in and soon a marching band forms and moves outside. The rhythmic text depicts the action in a minimalist style: "A box, a bowl,/A spoon, a stick./Tap! Tap! Clickety-click!" Dynamic watercolors use fluid lines and soft, clear colors to show a large group of animals celebrating sound and motion. This book seems a natural fit for toddler programs and may inspire some families at home as well. Gene Baer's Thump, Thump, Rat-a-Tat-Tat (HarperCollins, 1991) is similar, but Lois Ehlert's illustrations for that book have a very different visual style. Some may like her bright abstract shapes, and others may prefer Rycroft's more traditional artwork. Larger collections may want both.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
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From Booklist

The action begins in the kitchen, where a little white mouse hits a cup with a spoon: “Ting!” Inspired, the cat bangs a spoon on a can’s lid: “Tong!” Barnyard animals grab other kitchen equipment and continue the fun outdoors, where they join a troup of approaching animals wearing snazzy band uniforms. Together they play, marching on their hind legs in a joyful, musical parade. The rhythmic, rhyming text and the exuberant drawings of strutting animals create a sense of music that builds in a great crescendo. The short phrases of text and the comical figures of the prancing animals will hold young children until the exultant “Tah-dah!” on the last page. In Rycroft’s spirited pencil-and-watercolor illustrations, the animals cavort with energy, personality, and joy. First published in Australia, this picture book lends itself well to story hour—just be ready to break out the rhythm instruments and kazoos. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Carolyn Phelan