Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! by Susan Boynton

Published: 4th April 2023
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Illustrator: Susan Boynton
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book
★   ★   ★   ★   ★  – 5 Stars

Whether you are learning to skate, baking a cake, or even making a mistake, this hilarious and heartfelt rhyming book reminds us that trying our best is reason to celebrate. From children trying to master new skills to adults who had a hard week at work, we all get overwhelmed sometimes and need reassurance. And who better to offer it than a chicken exclaiming: “WOO HOO! YOU’RE DOING GREAT!”

I found this book at a very opportune time when, as silly as it sounds, I really needed it. There is a wonderful message about supporting each other and lifting people up. But having a chicken scream at you that you’re doing your best is really uplifting.

It’s about encouraging those trying to learn, who are passionate about a hobby or developing a new skill, or even just trying their best with unapologetic enthusiasm and support. The rhyme is wonderful and the melodic nature flows as you turn the pages with ease to become lost in this story.

The best thing is even our powerhouse chook of encouragement makes mistakes and having a little voice (literally as it’s a mouse) come along and tell us that making mistakes is ok you still did your best is fantastic.

Of course no amazing picture book is complete without making me cry, but the final two pages where this tiny mouse stares at the reader and tells them basically point blank that celebrating others is great, and telling them they are doing great is wonderful, but the best woo hoo to give it the one you give to yourself. Again, I think I came across this book at the best and worst time but my goodness it’s amazing to have a book straight up tell you that you’re trying your best.

Fantastic.

The illustrations are cute and simple. A lot of emphasis is on the words and making sure they are big and exciting, but at the same time interactive with the pictures of these various animals. There is something great about animals in picture books that can convey a message that maybe could work with humans but it makes it lighter and easier to sell than if you put a face to it. Easier to digest and absorb I think.

I loved the cover and picked it up because who wouldn’t be curious about the story inside and it only got better from there.

You can purchase Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great via the following

QBD | Blackwell’s

 Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust