Tiny, perfect things

PreS-Gr 2-In this easy-to-read text, a young girl and her grandfather go for a walk and notice all the small, beautiful things that surround them. From a leaf to snail to an apple, the child and her grandfather notice and celebrate the beauty in what they see. The text is centered around the illustrations, which contain the wonderful details the characters are noticing, and are beautifully done. Unfortunately, the drawings are rendered in dark deep greens, oranges, browns, and grays that seem to lend a somber, almost melancholy air to the text. The concept of slowing down and appreciating the small wonders around you is one that young children should embrace and celebrate. However, the illustrations look a bit dated, which will likely deter kids from picking the book up. VERDICT A wonderful story concept that seems to be at odds with its less-than-perfect visual interpretation.-Nicole Detter-Smith, Homestead High School, IN © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A white grandfather and a brown-skinned, biracial child stroll through their neighborhood keeping their "eyes open for tiny, perfect things."Through his own appreciation, the grandfather gently shares the wisdom of being alert to everyday beauty. A leaf brought down by the wind, a glistening spiderweb, even a discarded bottle cap are worthy of wonder. Clark narrates the grandfather's observations, utilizing simple text and a rhyme that at times feels a bit clunky. However, it is Kloepper's exceptionally thoughtful illustrations that catapult this picture book into the realm of the truly special. The careful use of perspective is immediately clear. In one spread, yellow leaves drift down in the foreground of the page; large yards, modest homes, and diverse neighbors stretch out in the backgroundand in the front corner, the protagonists each stoop down in a manner congruent with their individual abilities, simply noticing a leaf. When dusk falls, the pair returns to a cozy and loving home, as evidenced by small details such as the photos on the walls and the comfortable manner in which dark-skinned dad and white mom cuddle on the couch. The final pages revisit the day's discoveries and open to a four-page spread of the neighborhood, inviting readers to explore what tiny, perfect things they can find. A mindful appreciation of often unnoticed delights enhanced by subtle and stunning illustrations. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.