Hiding

A child often feels the need to hide. The protagonist, who has black hair and tan skin, knows how to hide in all situations--indoors or out, daytime or nighttime, alone or with friends (for a surprise party). On Halloween, the child dons a witch costume and conceals themself in plain sight. When summer fireworks are too noisy, the child hides inside, peeking out through a window. When a new visitor arrives and the child feels shy, they blend in with the wallpaper. In the "too quiet" library, the child holds a book over their face, hiding from fellow readers. But there are also times when it's fun to hide--like in the laundry basket or in a pile of leaves. And, in a giggle-inducing finale, we learn that the best thing about hiding is being found! The young narrator speaks in simple, accessible sentences, briefly setting the scenes and expressing the joys of hiding. Though the text is spare, Pugsley depicts a protagonist who contains multitudes--this child is by turns timid, playful, uncertain, and meditative. Blocky, unlined gouache and colored pencil illustrations bring to life the narrator's hiding techniques in delightful detail. Young readers will have a wonderful time finding the little one on each spread. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Presents a gentle message with tenderness and humor. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.