DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Bim, Bam, Bop . . . and Oona

Jacqueline Briggs Martin author Larry Day illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Minnesota Press

Published:19th Apr '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Bim, Bam, Bop . . . and Oona cover

An irresistible read-aloud picture book, in which a little odd-duck-out discovers her unique strengths


When these ducks go to the pond, it is Bim, Bam, Bop . . . and Oona, always last. They’re all ducks, but Bim, Bam, and Bop are runners, and Oona’s a waddler. “Last is a blot on my life,” she says to her frog friend, Roy. “I don’t feel as big as a duck should feel.” But she’s good with gizmos, Roy reminds her. So Oona tinkers with things, scraps, and strings, and eventually creates just the right gadget to get her to the pond first.

Spunky Oona will inspire and delight all who see her final triumphant creation. With its fun read-aloud words (from Brrrrrring to OOO-hoolie-hoo!), her story is wonderful to hear. Its charming illustrations invite readers to imagine our own new gizmos, and her victory reminds us to look for our own special gifts. A tale about being true to yourself, building confidence, and finding friendship, Bim, Bam, Bop . . . and Oona is sure to bring smiles to readers and listeners of all ages. 

"A tale to encourage young readers to find and follow their gifts, the story of Oona is also one of friendship and courage. It’s filled with literary devices, including simile, metaphor, and a bit of alliteration accompanies detailed, full-page spreads in pen and watercolor."—School Library Journal

"Budding engineers of any species will agree that Oona has well earned the right to feel ‘just as big as a duck should feel.’"—Kirkus Reviews

"Bim, Bam Bop … and Oona invites young readers to think about how their own ‘being different,’ can be an opportunity to use their own special talents and truly ‘fly high!’"—The Pirate Tree

"The pen-and-watercolor illustrations, immersively detailed, bring this farm fantasy to life as a lovely world."—Arkansas Democrat Gazette

"Spectacular."—Star Tribune

ISBN: 9781517912963

Dimensions: 279mm x 203mm x 38mm

Weight: unknown

32 pages