★ 02/17/2020
Wonder and significance permeate this catalogue of the essence of natural things: “A tree has leaves that turn sunshine into tree food. Amazing!... Only a tree knows how to be a tree.” Wending from trees and dogs to birds and fish, and escalating up to the Earth itself, Murphy offers each item an affirmation of singularity: “There are countless stars in the universe and many, many planets. But Earth is our home. Only Earth knows how to be Earth.” After celebrating the specialness of “every comet, flower, cat, and beetle,” Murphy pivots to humans: “As for people, there are billions of us... Every single person is different. And only they know how to be them. Only I know how to be me. And only you know how to be you.” Bright, chunky illustrations evoke children’s drawings, depicting figures of various skin tones, some wearing glasses, some using wheelchairs, playing in an irreplaceable world. Ages 3–7. (Mar.)
Wonder and significance permeate this catalogue of the essence of natural things...Bright, chunky illustrations evoke children’s drawings, depicting figures of various skin tones, some wearing glasses, some using wheelchairs, playing in an irreplaceable world.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
A celebration of the uniqueness of trees—and birds, dogs, fish, the planet Earth, the universe, and each human being. What makes this feel-good reflection on individuality stand out are the illustrations, childlike in their presentation but surprisingly detailed...Even though many illustrations include tiny details, this will work well for group as well as one-on-one. A simple message delivered effectively.
—Kirkus Reviews
Understanding and celebrating similarities and differences are hallmarks of the book, brilliantly conveyed in simple hand-lettered text and cheerful pictures of animals, people, and the environment. A necessary purchase. Uniqueness of thought, personality, interests, and purpose is celebrated in this beautiful book.
—School Library Journal
05/01/2020
PreS-Gr 1—This bright and colorful picture book touches on many elements in nature and their functions, and it also teaches the concept of self. Only a tree can turn sunshine into food and provide shelter for many animals the way that it does. Only water makes oceans, rivers, clouds, rain, and snow. Only earth spins around giving day and night, sustaining life for billions of animals and people. Only you can be you and only I can be me. Everyone and everything in the natural world are gifts to be treasured for their splendor and uniquenes. The idea that people have many interests and experiences in common while each person is completely unique is introduced in a way that is perfect for the intended audience. Understanding and celebrating similarities and differences are hallmarks of the book, brilliantly conveyed in simple hand-lettered text and cheerful pictures of animals, people, and the environment. VERDICT A necessary purchase. Uniqueness of thought, personality, interests, and purpose is celebrated in this beautiful book.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE
2019-11-10
A celebration of the uniqueness of trees—and birds, dogs, fish, the planet Earth, the universe, and each human being.
What makes this feel-good reflection on individuality stand out are the illustrations, childlike in their presentation but surprisingly detailed—especially the images of children of all colors, from peach and pink to tan and deep brown. Some are in ethnic dress, and some use wheelchairs or wear glasses. Picture readers can spend a lot of time looking at what they do: A child climbs a tree; another pretends to be a bird; children jump rope, blow bubbles, or simply talk with a friend; a child meditates; another carries an infant; and much, much more. Murphy begins by talking about things trees do: "turn sunshine into tree food," change color, and shelter birds and animals. She goes on to birds, dogs, and fish, and then she widens her view to encompass the whole planet, "where we live," and the entire universe before making her point: "Every comet, flower, cat, and beetle, every cloud, frog, stone, and duck, every mountain, river, and deer is different." With the exception of the depiction of outer space, every spread includes at least one child. The simple text has been hand lettered, and the painterly illustrations include interesting dry textures. Even though many illustrations include tiny details, this will work well for groups as well as one-on-one.
A simple message delivered effectively. (Picture book. 3-7)
