Dear Little One

Curling tendrils, swirling forms, and lush colors by Castrillon (Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small) give this book a look that grabs attention. The artist's landscapes accompany a benediction by Laden (You Are a Beautiful Beginning), whose rhyming lines, spoken to a child, contemplate a life lived among the wonders of the natural world: "Watch plants grow./ Start them from seeds.// Be enchanted by ferns./ Examine the weeds." Giant ferns tower over a child with blue skin, dark curls, and a red jacket who's followed everywhere by a white dog. Masses of foliage hang from trees with misty blue trunks as the child and a pup dig treasures ("worms and stones... ancient fossils... long-buried bones"). Later, they offer an apple to an enormous moose, then set off to sea in a small boat under which kelp swirls and lavender waves curl. At night, the duo sit by a campfire and watch the night sky with a companionable fox: "Marvel at the stars,/ and the vastness of space./ You are a sparkling part/ of this beautiful place." Laden's affirmations are universal in this picture book; Castrillon's artwork grounds them in a unique vision. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Laura Rennert, Andrea Brown Literary. (Nov.)

PreS-Gr 3--Much like Laden and Castrillón's other collaborations, this offers readers a gentle message about celebrating the world's natural beauty in big and small ways. Colorful, truly stunning illustrations drive this story, as a young girl with pale skin and thick, dark curls navigates the world with her kerchief-clad dog in tow. Framed as a letter full of love and gratitude from Mother Nature, this book helps readers explore the water, flowers, trees, animals, deserts, mountains, and stars along with the main character. The book contains sparse text, limited to one or two sentences per page. Young readers will find the text accessible, though they will want to pause to appreciate the details in the artwork. It is also suitable for read-alouds in a classroom or story-hour setting. The book would pair nicely with units on Earth Day or environmentalism, as well as art and design. VERDICT Laden and Castrillón have paired to create a lush, visually stunning ode to the beauty of nature. This book is a recommended first purchase for school and public libraries, particularly where If I Had a Little Dream and Yellow Kayak circulate well.--Monisha Blair, Glasgow M. S., Alexandria, VA