Common Sense Media Review
By Patricia Tauzer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Endearing art, rhythmic poem celebrate the flow of life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The story begins with two kids digging at the beach. Before long it has broadened to include a much larger world and a whole mix of family and friends. As the day progresses, all their lives weave in and out of each other's, moving the story from the beach to the farmers market to fields, churches, parks, restaurants, and back to various homes. In the end, the little girl stands smiling and realizing that "everything is you and us ... all the world is all of us."
Is It Any Good?
Kids and parents will love this book that celebrates connections between all things: rocks; sand; vegetable fields; stars; trees; people of all types; music; storms; old; new; and so on. Kids will love the words of the poem, which are just rhythmic enough to be almost predictable, but original enough to keep the story enjoyable and fresh. Detailed illustrations add a comforting depth to the story. The sensitive artwork and gentle sing-song of the poetry work perfectly together to create a sentiment that is both peaceful and endearing.
With lines of black prisma color that sweep across lively watercolored scenes, Caldecott Honor medalist Marla Frazee brings a delicate sensitivity and depth to the pages of this book. From small scenes to full two-page spreads, her bustling, yet contented, paintings not only express the loving sentiment and rhythm of Scanlon's poem but broaden its story in a way kid's especially will enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the artwork makes the poem into a story. What do the pictures add? How do they show that the world belongs to the little boy and girl? How does it show that the world is big and wide, and includes us all?
What other kinds of things would you add to paintings of your world?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Marla Frazee
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Beach Lane Books
- Publication date : September 8, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Award : Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated : July 13, 2017
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