In-between places

"Sometimes you'll find yourself in the place/ between where you're going// and where you've been." In this absorbing philosophical picture book focusing on the beauty of transitions, concise prose by Killian describes in-betweenness ("bridges and ladders,/ staircases and slides"), while simultaneously encouraging choice, risk-taking, and patience ("Sometimes in-between places lead/ to just where you wanted to be./ Sometimes they lead/ to more in-between places"). McFerrin's page-filling ink and digital artwork renders text's metaphorical meaning with mesmerizing patterns. On one spread, a mint and teal horizon and sea merge behind a venturing sailboat; on another, figures stare down a tunnel of pink trees. Together, the creative team paints a wondrous vision of the in-between. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 5--8. (Apr.)

Killian and McFerrin lean into the possibilities that live in every transition. Though fully accessible to the youngest of readers and their caregivers, this picture book will be equally appreciated by adults (young or otherwise) who find themselves "in the place between where you're going and where you've been." Playing with images of seesaws, bridges, and tunnels, McFerrin fills each full-bleed spread with saturated color and intricate details. The artwork enlivens the simple text, which begins with confident declaratives--"In-between places are not up or down, not in or out"--before transitioning to a rhythmic sequence of lines focusing on uncertainties, each beginning with "Sometimes" or "You might be." Though each page features a riot of color and patterns, the palette is unified across the book. Relying on elegant yet child-friendly metaphors ("You might be drifting shore to shore on a cool blue sea. A gap between two mountains. A pause between two steps"), Killian acknowledges the difficulty and darkness that might accompany these in-between places but ends on an optimistic note, insisting that "sometimes they lead…somewhere unexpected but bright with possibility." The characters vary in skin tone and family structure. A hopeful book for readers of all ages, perfect for those graduating, moving away, or starting over.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.