Hurry Up!: A Book About Slowing Down

by Kate Dopirak, Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrations)

A busy boy and his dog learn to slow down and enjoy life together in this lyrical, rhyming picture book perfect for hurried families everywhere.

For one busy boy, life is all hurry up, hurry down, hurry round and round and round! That is until he takes a big breath...and a big break...and slows down to see all the wonderful things in the world around him.

From celebrated picture book creators Kate Dopirak and Christopher Silas Neal, this playful yet powerful picture book reminds us to be present, to be mindful, and to appreciate each moment.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Nature, Fiction, Emotion, School

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Tom Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the "Embarassing but True" files: I choked up reading this in the kids' section of the local library.

4 stars, and only because the last page speaks of "dreams and lazy days ahead" and brother there ain't nothin' lazy about living mindfully.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow down and take a breath and moment to appreciate the world around you.
Pair with Wait & Sidewalk Flowers.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy and his dog are hurry up-hurry up-hurry up, faster and faster, hurrying if you want to win, hurrying so you'll reach the top, faster, louder until...STOP! And everything slows, calming down, taking a break, breathing in, walking, listening, enjoying the natural world.

I could feel my heart beating harder, my breathing increasing, as I read the early pages of the book, and then my heart slowing, my breathing becoming deeper as I read the last pages of the book. Reading the book was almost like meditation.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and short-ish book about slowing down. You could include it in a talk of opposites... Hurry and slow.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute, super fun. Easy peasy mindfulness/slowing down picture book for young children. If I do another mindfulness family program at the library, I will probably read this book!

[Kaylee Mouser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about slowing down and taking a breath. We hurry, and hurry all the time. Sometimes you have to take it slow and enjoy life, make new friends, explore, etc.. This book will relate to children alot. Most children rush to the bus stop, rush to eat lunch, rush to finish their homework. The illustrations show a child who has been rushing, with wild hair that captures the rush in the beginning of the story. You can also see in the illustrations that the child starts to smile as they slow down in life.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child with wild black hair wakes up to a ringing alarm clock, rushes down the stairs and off to the school bus. At school everyone continues to rush and hurry throughout their day, until they hurry back onto the bus. The child rushes home, dashes through their homework, and then hurries to walk the dog. Stop! Slow down and look around at the day. Spend time with your dog and take a breath. Stay out until the stars emerge, find fireflies, and then head home. The rush is done.

Dopirak creates a breathless beginning to her book that is impossible to read without your heart rate increasing a bit. The hurried and harried life of this child reflects many of our own. The slower part is just as successful, encouraging the character and the reader to breathe and slow down. The abrupt STOP! is very effective in changing the pace and insisting upon a new one.

Neal’s illustrations provide us with a young protagonist who could be any gender. With a shock of wild hair that captures the frenzy of the early part of the book, this character is central to the story and manages to slow down and point out the small things that make a day special.

Trying to slow down to pandemic speed? This picture book shows alone time outside as one of the best times of day. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this felt timely when it was written, and I'm sure it did, it has even grown even more so with the pandemic. This is a discussion about our society's urge to constantly hurry up and a little encouragement to slow down. With brief text that lends itself well to being read aloud and bright, cheerful illustrations this is a great one for story times or read together at home. I love the way it celebrates the things you see and notice when you slow down a little. A book for now definitely, but a good reminder to carry into the world as we start to feel compelled to hurry up again as well.

[Ni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A child is constantly rushing here and here, wake up, rush to school, hurry home. They learn to be calm and mindful of the present moment in this beautifully illustrated book.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life's super speed takes a well, needed break in this very relatable tale.

Get up, run to the bus, hurry to class... The day goes on and on, faster and faster as this child does its best to make it through the day. But after the work is done, life flips and maybe, doesn't have to be as fast as thought.

Almost every child will relate to this book. From the minute morning starts, the day hurries by as the school routine takes over. The constant hectic to do everything, which is expected is brought across very clearly. The kid in these pages rushes to and fro in the exact same way most listeners do themselves. When everything switches gear and slows down, listeners will again identify with the fun play and relaxation bring. The difference between fast and slow is obvious, and the message behind it too.

The illustrations bring across the hectic motion, set familiar scenes and add a tiny, dash of light-heartedness, too. But there's also the sense of empathy. It's a sweet picture book, which encourages listeners to take a break every now and then because these are just as important as the constant hurrying about.

I received an ARC and found this to be a book many kids can identify with.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture Book. What this book tries to do is show a child constantly rushing from one thing to the next only to slow-down midway through the story and enjoy things at a more leisurely pace. The child has darker skin and could be of any gender, with classmates shown later representing many skin tones. The rhythm of the story works, you definitely feel the difference between the hurrying in the first part and the slowing down in the second. However there are some things that didn't work for me-- the students in the classroom are running frantically, and most schools discourage running if not in recess or gym. Also as the students get off the bus and head to their homes, the text says "Hurry if you want to win." It is unclear what that refers to-- getting to your house first off the bus? The second part of the story made more sense, but it also had the child staying out wandering the town after dark with only a dog to accompany them. I prefer other books to encourage mindfulness, awareness, or the importance of slowing down.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 1 out of 5]

Author Kate Dopirak, and illustrator Christopher Silas Neal, win a trendiness point with their book about mindfulness.

Supposedly the little boy in this book figures out "Slow down" for himself, how he urgently needs to lie down in a meadow and look up at the sky, chilling. As if chilling qualifies as "This is what it's all about."

REALLY?
DO REAL CHILDREN SELF-CONSCIOUSLY STRIVE TO LEARN THE MEANING OF LIFE?

I don't think so. And I'm definitely sure that it is not good for children under the age of 10 to aim to do mindfulness meditations, etc.

What's my source? Firstly, it's the decades when I taught TM for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Consistently he warned us about encouraging children to do anything of the kind. Instead, he said, kids under the age of ten need to turn attention outward, not inward. That way, children can learn about the world where their lives happen.

Secondly, as the founder of Energy Spirituality, I've developed trademarked systems for using energetic literacy to gaining discernment about a person's consciousness. Based on the kinds of research you can find at my website, as you can read for yourself, the alleged benefit of today's fad, mindfulness, are greatly overblown.

Parents who want their children to grow up to become resourceful adults? They don't encourage their children to read books like this one. Moreover... speaking of which...

WHERE ARE THE PARENTS?
IN THIS PICTURE BOOK, WHERE ARE THE PARENTS?

Surely it's a parent's job to help children pace themselves:

* Give kids a routine.
* Give them structure.
* Etc. Etc.

Pacing is one reason why children live with adults. (Unlike the nameless protagonist in this storybook.)

[Jennifer Miera · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are cute, but don't necessarily match the text. "Hurry round and round and round." just shows the boy running from his house to the bus, not running in circles. There's lots of unnecessary and unlikely hurrying here - kids running to and around their desks at school, running out of the building.
The rhymes also seem forced and unrelated to the illustrations. "Hurry out, hurry in. Hurry if you want to win." Shows kids loading onto a bus and heading out into the neighborhood. There's no race and no competition to win, according to the illustrations. Then, suddenly, after the boy screams, "HURRY!" for no obvious reason, he's suddenly laying in the grass watching a butterfly on his palm. The stronger part of the book is the later half where the boy winds down and learns to appreciate not rushing.
A poorly executed book on the importance of slowing down.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment he wakes up until he gets home from school, a boy hurries from one place and task to another. It is clear from the illustrations that he feels frantic and tired from all the racing about. When his mischievous dog escapes during a walk, the boy finally stops and takes in the world around him. He and his dog spend the afternoon watching a snail, throwing sticks, blowing bubbles, chasing rainbows, and more, until they mosey home, finally at peace. Short rhyming phrases perfectly evoke the frenetic pace of the child's day and then seamlessly segue into a mellower mood. The mixed media illustrations that dominate most pages complement the text perfectly. This could be enjoyed independently or as a class read aloud, and is a wonderful reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things.

[Mrs. Walker Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hurry here, hurry there, hurry, hurry everywhere!”
⠀
Hurry Up! Is a beautiful book that describes a typical day for most of us, even young children. From the moment this boys day begins, he is hurrying to get ready for school, to catch the bus, to get to class, etc. Until...he must STOP!!
⠀
“Slow things down, take a break, look around for goodness sake”.
⠀
The second half of the book encourages the listeners to take a break and enjoy the simple, natural wonders all around us. This book illustrates the contrast between fast and slow and emphasizes the benefits from slowing down. So many young readers (and adults, too!) will relate to this story. This book leaves a lasting impression to be present, mindful and to appreciate each moment.Kate Dopirak

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this so much. I feel like it's an even better lesson/reminder for adults and parents than for the children because adults often forget or underestimate how busy and rushed children feel in their day to day at school. Remembering and holding space for their unstructednplay and exploration is so important and often more important that the structured things when they are little.

I think the illustrations have some really important points too. Like how the dog is the one who forces the stop, there are no adults at all! Even the bus is drawn with the doors closed because of how it's how the children are going about their days rushing even without the adults who are obviously there but it's the dog that forces the stop not the adults. And of course the diversity and nature connection pieces are always important to me too ❤

[timber rose, book witch (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

whenever i work the children's desk in the library nowadays i like to pick up a few books to keep up with what we've got to offer for the parents and kiddos. i definitely got emotional while reading this. such a beautiful message about mindfulness and gentle joy. my parents weren't big on emotional regulation and mindfulness talks, and as a neurodivergent person books like this always give me the feels. i imagine this book would be lovely to pair with emotional regulation books for kiddos, because it lays down some simple thoughts that create the conditions (slowing down and being mindful) for being able to productively, meaningfully, etc. interact with your emotions. i feel like this is a great book for adults to remember simpler times and recall that slowing down and gentle, mindful joy are absolutely still possible.

[Thompson McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurry Up! A Book About Slowing Down is brilliant! A young boy and his dog hurry everywhere. They hurry up and down and all around until they finally STOP! When the boy slows down and LISTENS, he hears and sees nature and wonder everywhere. He is able to enjoy the stars at night and listen to the buzz of insects. When he slows down, he can take a breath and relax. The joy of slowing down and finding the end of one's own rainbow is celebrated. We all need a happy story about slowing down right now.

Illustrations by Christopher Silas Neal shows the boy's harried, manic state in the beginning of the story and later nighttime illustrations in deep blue mimic the end of the day and bedtime. This is sure to become a favorite bedtime read. A must have for any child!

Highly recommended!

[James Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book with a wonderful message. Sadly, the author passed away in 2018, at the young age of 43. This book is a wonderful way to remember her. The bright, colorful, soothing illustrations perfectly compliment the story, which progresses from hectic daily routine to much needed break and enjoyment of the simple, natural wonders all around us. Many kids and parents will quickly relate to this book. This is a great bedtime story or for any child to read on their own. Very calming and refreshing.

[Grace Calvin]

This is a simple book about slowing down in a world full of hurry. At the beginning of the book, it shows the child rushing to wake up, go to school, and come home. Then, it shows what it's like to slow down and enjoy what's around you. The illustrations in this book or wonderful and really add to the content. This would be a great book to read to students when they are feeling overwhelmed. You could also make this interactive by taking deep breaths together and doing some of the activities in the book as a class.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy hurries from on thing to another throughout the day until he decides to stop and be present while on an after-school walk with his dog.

This picture book captures the busyness of modern living that rushes from event to event and task to task from morning till night. It encourages readers to slow down and appreciate the small things in life and in the world.

The franticness of the first half of the book is palpable, so it was a great relief when the story slowed down during the second half.

[Gabrielle Palmisano · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book the main character is all about hurrying and rushing to get where they need to be. Once he is outside with his dog, he wants to slow down and bask in the moment. He tells the dog to take a break into look around. He even tells his dog to go make new friends. I feel that the young boy is rushing his day so he can do what he wants. Once he’s out of school, is when he starts to take the day slower and slower every minute.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that shows the value of slowing down. Much needed in our hurried world (still fairly hurried these days for many, even under covid). And it conveys this important message without being preachy at all. This is definitely helped by the illustrations, and when things are taken slow, there are a lot of examples from nature (definitely an inside/outside, school/nature dichtomy.) These include playing with the dog, looking closely at nature, taking a walk, counting stars and firelies.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about slowing down. The story at the start has a rushed feeling with the colors, text and actions used. The second half has a slowed down feeling due to the same elements, but the ones that have a calming effect. While I am not completely a huge fan of the book, I know a lot of people who I could recommend this to, give to and people that will enjoy this modern tale about Hurry and Slow.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hurrying to get up, get to school get through a day at school and return home, a child stops and begins to notice the world outside. “Take a break. Look around, for goodness’ sake.” Breathe, explore, make new friends, “listen to the forest talk,” all of this can be done when if you just slow down.

A good read aloud to promote and discuss mindfulness.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely book which reminds adults as well as children about the benefits of being human "beings" rather than human "doings." Very simple text and cheerful, two-page spreads of brightly colored illustrations work together to remind us that there's not always a need to hurry and jam-pack our days. I recommend this for busy families everywhere.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child hurries to do everything in their day until STOP! Then, the child slows down and takes in the world around them. A great calming down book where the rhyming words AND illustrations calm down the reader. You can feel the cadence slow down. The story shifts outside where it can be easier to slow down when there's a lot to notice.

[Daniela]

Many of us live an accelerated lifestyle and forget to slow down and appreciate the moment. Simple moments of appreciation are all it takes to slow down, and they make all the difference.

This is a good book to introduce to a class that may always want to race each other to finish their work. This book is also a good reminder for everyone to take a moment to appreciate the beauty around us.

[Alyssa Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a great read aloud book for children. The words get bigger to emphasize speaking them louder when reading aloud. It has a great message written into the story. It starts out as hurry , hurry , hurry and ends with take time and slow down. Enjoy things. Which is a great overall message.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great message with appealing illustrations. A message meant for the adult reading or maybe the parent not reading this book to a child because their face is in their phone?? Message will resonate with caregivers more so than the intended audience?