All the Beating Hearts

At night, Fogliano (My Best Friend) observes in incantatory lines, the bustle of the world grows quiet enough to reveal the hearts of the world's people, "beating in the darkness/ strong and steady and sure." In this moment, nothing is asked of anyone; it is enough that "we are here/ and alive.../ the same, but exactly different." The lead-up to that idea forms the bulk of this contemplative picture book, which initially immerses readers in the cares of a day. It begins on a golden morning ("Each day starts with the sun, and hopefully something to eat"), captured by Chien (The Longest Letsgoboy) in soft pastel and colored pencil shapes, then spins a variously diverse cast through "work/ or play/ or work AND play." When a turn toward night brings readers to the story's central passage ("and for a little while there/ we are all just hearts"), illustrations signal its importance with spreads whose swirling, floating forms evoke freedom and light. A coda acknowledging the power of daytime concerns to distract humans from their essential value sustains the sense of inner reflection, and a lulling voice and shining, jewel-toned spreads have the power to enchant. Ages 4-8. Agent (for Fogliano and Chien): Steven Malk, Writers House. (Jan.)

Gr 1-4--With each new day, life presents individuals with a variety of choices, opportunities, and challenges. Even though these daily experiences may look different for everyone, Fogliano, in this quiet ode to the power of connection, reminds readers of the thing that they have in common: a beating heart. Through a range of daily experiences, from eating meals and playing with friends, to experiencing loss and growing up, readers are reminded that they aren't alone. That even when their experiences are different from the person sitting next to them, that each heartbeat is "a reminder that we are here and alive together but apart the same, but exactly different." The poetry here has a natural, gentle rhythm, created by purposeful line breaks and page turns. Use of all lowercase letters and lengthy run-on sentences inform this rhythm as well and create an accessible, childlike feel. Emotive pastel and colored pencil illustrations not only carefully match the time of day and activity, but also the sentiments expressed on each page, whether grief, growth, or loneliness. With a lot to unpack for students, this beautiful reminder that they are not alone is best for one-on-one or smaller group settings. VERDICT Thoughtful poetry and expressive illustrations could make for a meaningful conversation; purchase where message-driven stories are used to amplify SEL lessons.--Louie Lauer