Review by Horn Book Review
Two succulent-looking sentient plants search for meaning in this philosophical picture book. Easygoing Worthi seems content with life, but Nelli is restless and wonders about finding one's purpose: "I heard it gives you strength when life gets tough." Worthi drags Nelli into the forest to look for answers. The friends try to contemplate (and not be overwhelmed by) the scale of either the concepts they're considering or the natural world they explore, with amusing results: a purpose is satisfying and comforting, but it is not a baked potato. The pair then meets a charming cast of mindfulness-centered characters introduced one by one with a steady, rhythmic pace. A frog stuck in a spiderweb questions goodness; a meditative stinkbug encourages looking within; and a bee endorses following one's heart. The dialogue-only text is full of care and curiosity, with scaffolding for readers new to the comics format provided by color-coded speech balloons and lots of white space. The digital illustrations have a dreamlike texture to them, with fuzzy, misty edges and jeweled hues. When the day is through, the tiny plants haven't found any answers, but they enjoyed the journey and look forward to continuing their quest and thinking more tomorrow. Elisa GallMay/June 2024 p.112 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two plant pals seek meaning in life. Nelli wants a purpose. Worthi doesn't know what that is but suggests they search in the forest. With Worthi's help, Nelli frees a frog stuck to a spiderweb. Then the pair meet an overturned stink bug; Nelli sets it upright. The bug suggests that Nelli "look…within" for her purpose, but Worthi decides they'll continue looking "without." Nelli's now beset with worries. What if her purpose is in the ocean or outer space? Staunch ally Worthi calms her. Some bees suggest that Nelli start by thinking about what she most loves to do. Nelli responds that she enjoys being with Worthi. In the end, she believes she still hasn't found her purpose, but Worthi reminds her--and readers--of their accomplishments today: helping others. Worthi makes it clear that Nelli unwittingly found her purpose after all by being kind and helpful; Worthi finds a purpose, too: being Nelli's supportive friend. This message is delivered quite subtly, and kids may not pick up on it. Still, this comical, thought-provoking story will win hearts. The colorful digital illustrations, often set in vignettes or panels, burst with good cheer. With round heads and chubby little limbs, the anthropomorphized plants cut adorable figures. The characters' dialogue is set in different colors in speech bubbles. Sweetly philosophical. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
