Review by Booklist Review
Short, evocative lines of text accompanied by loosely sketched, lively drawings remind readers to make space in their lives for many different experiences and explorations. A varied group of children, with differing skin colors, hair colors and hairstyles, interact with one another and their surroundings. Making space might mean taking the time to plant a seed and watch it grow, or trying a new hairstyle and being okay if it doesn't look great. Maybe you work at something you enjoy, sample something new, or go exploring in nature. Reading can help you learn, and so can being outside. Some experiences are more emotional, like saying goodbye to a pet who dies or a friend who leaves. Fun is part of life, too, demonstrated by pillow fights, beach trips, and campouts. The illustrations are sometimes surprising in a creative way, such as when "scribbling" is done with ice skates rather than a pencil. Whether these children are on the go, pausing to focus intently, or simply stopping to breathe, they invite others to observe, act, and grow.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--Beautifully simple yet moving text demonstrates the purpose that people put into things every day, such as holding a hand, letting go, planting a flower, then watching it grow. Each page contains a basic task in a single sentence. Illustrations are done in different hues of yellow with charcoal and black outlines rendering slightly different skin tones and hair styles. The delicate characters in the story are children depicting details of the narrative. A few animals are included on some of the pages. The art style is similar to Peter H. Reynolds's work. There is some rhyme and rhythm in the reading of the story: "To stand up to your fears./ For those who are no longer here." Children and adults will find the story charming, yet emotion-evoking as everything is relevant to real-life events. This quick read will certainly be a favorite, as it serves as a reminder that the little things in life with friends inform our best memories. VERDICT Guaranteed to be loved by all readers, this book is a valuable purchase for the SEL or general children's section. Recommended.--Tracy Cronce
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A sunny look at living life with intention. Seemingly small moments can build character and teach lessons. Each spread in this story speaks to a common experience or feeling, from grappling with death and learning from one's mistakes to taking the time to find the perfect leaf clover and thirsting for knowledge. This brief, ambitious book is deceptively simple. While the ideas expressed are lofty, the text never talks down to the intended audience as it stresses the importance of making space not only for the momentary encounters in life, but also for the emotions involved. Tanco's pen illustrations are delicate and textured; the palette is limited to black and shades of gray and yellow. The brightness of the yellow tones effectively conveys mood. The spare prose ("To plant a seed…and watch it grow," "For things that can go wrong," "To keep a secret") feels like a long list at times; it may make more sense if grown-ups preface the various items with the book's title. While the work never condescends to children, adults may get more out of it, making it more appealing as a gift book than as a read-aloud. Children are depicted in various gray hues and hair textures. A reminder to embrace the smaller moments in life with purpose. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
