Thursday, April 6, 2023

82. The World and Everything In It


The World And Everything In It. Kevin Henkes. 2023. [March] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: There are big things and little things in the world. Little animals. Tiny flowers. Pebbles. Things so small you can't see them. The big things are big. The sea. The sun. The moon.

Premise/plot: Is there a plot to The World and Everything In It??? Maybe a slight one. It's more of a perspective-reflective poem than a 'proper' story. (Not that poems aren't proper. But not all poems tell stories. Nor should they.) So the premise--big is big, small is small, and in-between is in-between.

My thoughts: I am conflicted. Kevin Henkes' illustrations are predictably delightful. While some of Henkes' picture books are equally strong in story AND illustrations, this isn't one of them. It's a quiet, subtle book. It's an opportunity to look at Henkes' artwork. To perhaps have conversations with a child on your lap. Ask questions--what do you see? can you find the kitten? etc.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

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