I Wonder

In the spirit of Jostein Gaarder's Questions Asked and Mac Barnett's Just Because, Holt (From You to Me) celebrates children's bold questions with some of her own, reveling in the pursuit of knowledge that has little to do with pure logic. Some questions are whimsical ("Is cereal afraid of the spoon?"); others feel profound or mind opening ("Could there be a galaxy in my belly button?"). Where the text offers humor, it's understated: a boy holds his hand out to catch a beam of light, a quiet grin on his face: "Why don't shadows smile when you smile?" Similarly, atmospheric spreads by Pak (The Hundred-Year Barn) portray interiors, wild places, and fantasy scenes with layers of gauze-like tints. Even when the musing is playful--"I wonder if dragonflies dog-paddle"--Pak resists simple caricature, for example offering a delicate close-up of the dragonflies hovering over a pond. Though the ruminations build to little more than a series of questions, a lovely mood and an affectionate ending affirmation send the book's cast, and its readers, off to joyful contemplation. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 1-Young children wonder aloud about the mysteries of life that surround them, such as, do dragonflies dog-paddle, does a grasshopper take hopping lessons, and what do clouds taste like? Answers to these questions are not provided but readers will be inspired to consider these and other such thought-provoking and often humorous queries. A beautifully diverse cast of characters ponders the mysteries of the universe in simple text and soft, soothing, and creative illustrations. Told in a series of "I wonder" statements and one-line questions, the simple story line covers a wide span of topics and will foster conversation between readers and listeners. The illustrations are created with mixed media, including watercolor, pencil, collage, ink, and digital media and set the tone of wonder and delight. Readers will feel validated by the fact that it is not only okay to ask questions, but also is encouraged and welcomed. VERDICT A delicately illustrated picture book that embraces curiosity and wonderment.-Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE