Review by Booklist Review
"Outside, you notice things." To find out what kinds of things, readers follow children of varying races, religions, and physical abilities throughout numerous outdoor scenes illustrated with colorful, childlike artwork. Whether the young people are in a backyard, alongside a creek, or at a farmer's market, poetic text in a larger font evokes a visceral sensation from golden dandelions to the sweet taste of strawberries to the way the outdoors smells after the rain. Passages in a smaller font offer related science facts. For instance, as children sit in a field of flowers, the passages convey information on pollination, bumblebees, and other types of pollinators. As this blend of fiction and nonfiction emphasizes observation, it also leads up to a mindfulness of being present when outside. The final scene, a soothing bird's-eye view of a girl looking up at the sky, reminds readers that listening to nature can help them relax and that being outdoors can boost the immune system, among other facts. A charming, gentle nudge to go outside and simply be.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Alladin depicts a journey through backyards, parks, gardens, trails, markets, and playgrounds. Children are introduced to the wonder of flora and fauna that live above and underground. The text also describes some of the processes that nurture plants and animals, including those hidden in the soil. Blinick's illustrations offer a sense of excitement and serenity, showing cheerful children with light and dark skin tones and different physical abilities. The text and art showcase the idea that "spending time in nature is good for the health of your body and mind." Cited sources and further reading are not included. VERDICT This exploration of the outdoors is fit to use for budding biologists.--Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz P.L., Aptos, CA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Sensations noticed in the outdoors are supplemented by interesting facts about nature in a variety of settings. "Outside, / You notice things," like the smell of the world after rainfall, how a fresh-picked strawberry tastes extra sweet, how the sound of water "Soothes and stills / Your own tumbling mind." On each spread is a nature scene featuring diverse children and families interacting with the environment in parks, gardens, backyards, forests, farmers markets, and meadows. The sensory observations are written in a large typeface that can be read straight through as a lyrical journey, but each spread also offers several nature facts appropriate to the setting pictured. The facts are in a smaller, spindlier type, enclosed in green text boxes. The facts include scientific evidence about the benefits humans realize from being outside, such as how "getting soil on our skin can make humans feel happier," and that being outside reduces anxiety and stress. The detailed text and varied images immerse readers in the feeling of being outside, fully attentive and relaxed. Readers will be encouraged to explore natural settings and observe the creatures in them as well as the experiences within their own bodies. The illustrations use soft coloring, varied perspectives, and active characters to great effect, pulling observers into the worlds of plants, animals, and the people who love them. This lovely book is more than the sum of its parts. (Informational picture book. 4-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
