Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature)
A sense of adventure plays out well in this bright, inviting picture book of very few words. By combining the words, “Higher!” and “Higher!” with a few other words and perfect illustrations, the author creates a world of fun in which all that the main character does is swing in a playground swing. During the course of her swinging time, as her kind dad pushes her, she swings high enough to see into the zoo, to see some kids on top of a building, to see an explorer at the North Pole, to see passengers in an airplane, to see the whole earth, a rocket with a monkey and a Martian! When her swinging subsides, she injects one more word--“Again”--which prompts the listeners to smile and get ready for the repeat adventure. This is an excellent book for preschool children because of its entertaining illustrations and minimal text. It will stimulate conversations about what is real, what is fun, and what is imagined. 2009, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 2 to 5.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, February 1, 2009 (Vol. 77, No. 3))
Patricelli once again proves she is a master of demonstrating for very young children the wonders of a good imagination (The Birthday Box, 2007). In her latest, a father pushes his daughter on a swing to her gleeful shouts of "Higher! Higher!" The imaginative toddler's swing goes so high that she passes a giraffe, a high-rise building, a mountain climber, an airplane full of people and a rocket ship in outer space. When she finally reaches the apex of her arc, she exchanges a "High five!" with an alien child who is on a swing of its own. Her descent brings her past them all again and back to her father's waiting embrace. "Again!" The text uses only six different words, allowing the acrylic illustrations to speak enthusiastic volumes. The simple design, minimalist details and bright colors will appeal to the youngest listeners. Throughout, facial expressions and body language reflect surprise, curiosity, wonder and joy—never fear. Certain to rise higher and higher in popularity. 2009, Candlewick, 32p, $15.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 3 to 7. © 2009 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2009)
A smiling dad pushes a little girl on a swing; with each push, she says, "Higher! Higher!" Higher she goes, flying up to greet a giraffe, a mountain climber, airplane passengers, etc. Finally, she heads into space, where she meets a little green alien at the apex of his own flying swing. Hand-lettering and cheerful cartoonlike acrylics reinforce the book's preschooler-perfect sensibilities. Category: Preschool. 2009, Candlewick, 32pp, 15.99. Ages 2 to 5. Rating: 1: Outstanding, noteworthy in style, content, and/or illustration.