Where Have You Been? (by Margaret Wise Brown)

Playful and sweet, the simple poem rocks gently along inviting the engagement of young readers through the question-and-answer format. Using images from the fanciful language, the illustrations add layers of subplots for pre-readers to follow. For example, Old Squirrel answers that he has been on a whirl. The illustration shows a squirrel with goggles on a helicopter-like flying contraption with a fairy holding on for dear life and the moon rolling its eyes.

Both the poem and the series of cheerful illustrations are fully realized and could stand alone, but the combination is most delightful. Twice winners of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, Leo and Diane Dillon create artwork that is beautifully rendered while maintaining a spirit of whimsy. Margaret Wise Brown shows yet again that her authentic voice, well-crafted language, and light-hearted intelligence are enduring.