Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Joyful, thoughtful look at the range of human experience.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
This lyrical picture book seems to say and show that IN EVERY LIFE there are good times and challenging times, happy moments and sad moments, triumphs and losses. You may experience a whole range of feelings from the time you're a baby till you're an old person. It's all a blessing, and all a part of living.
Is It Any Good?
This positive, inclusive picture book has wonderful art and relatable small moments that add up to a rich reading experience. In Every Life acknowledges that over the course of your life there will be tears, but sometimes they'll be tears of joy (like on graduation day and when your team wins). Kids and adults alike can appreciate the pattern of having each spread of detailed daily life followed by a magnificent spread of tiny humans pictured against a bold blast of the natural world in sunsets, beaches, mountain trails, or sunny skies that reminds us of the healing power of taking a break outside to recharge -- or staying cozy inside when it's pouring rain. Marla Frazee's gentle text and colorful, detailed drawings will comfort and soothe readers of all ages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the many kinds of people and families shown in In Every Life. Do any of the kids look like you? Do any of the families look like your family?
What do you think of the line "In every love, blessed are the tears"? Might you be sad about your loved ones sometimes? Do you see a picture where there might be tears of joy?
Which picture is your favorite? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Marla Frazee
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Empathy , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Beach Lane Books
- Publication date : February 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 0 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Caldecott Medal and Honors , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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