Citation: Gibson, G. F., & Rankin, L. (2013a). Tiptoe Joe. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. 
Ages: 2 – 8
Grades: PreK – Grade 1
Description: In Gibson’s text, readers are introduced to Tiptoe Joe, a large brown bear who has a secret to share. Wearing his red sneakers, Tiptoe Joe walks through the forest inviting the different animals to quietly follow him and see what he has to share. What follows is the story of number of animals, such as a donkey, moose, and owl, trying to tiptoe along. They each make their own noises. The trip eventually ends with Tiptoe Joe showing the animals his new bear cubs.
Uses: Tiptoe Joe is another ideal book for a preschool or toddler storytime. With large pictures of the animals, rhyming text, and the use of onomatopoeia, this book will delight readers and have them wanting to go on the journey with Tiptoe Joe and company. Librarians can encourage children to tiptoe like each animal in the story, in order to get them up and moving.
Review Sources:
Antezzo, Diane. (2013). Tiptoe Joe. School Library Journal, 59(5):74.
Tiptoe Joe. (2013). Kirkus Reviews, 81(6):137.
Search Terms: animals, rhyme, bears