Caldecott books : "All the World" (2010 Honor Book).
I was not a huge fan of this board book when I first opened up. The verse comes across simple and repetitive, the illustrations a little too playful and muted. And there’s no conflict. None. Nothing happens.
Which could be said about other classics, including Goodnight Moon.
Which could also be said about a lot of days. Nothing much happens; it’s made up of a series of mini-moments and trivialities. Nothing too dramatic or special or crazy or memorable…
…until you add up all those little moments and realize they created a pretty great day.
The more pages I flipped, the more joy I received at the illustrations; the tiny moments of a day that author Liz Garton Scanlon seizes and brings to life.
The verses are comforting and rhythmic; supplementary to the illustrations that, as I kept flipping, reminded me of a third cousin to Robert McCloskey’s many classics (Homer Price, etc.). That is a compliment. Also, illustrator Marla Frazee does the mischievous and wonderful Clementine chapter books.
It’s a lovely little series of moments that add up to more than their sum. They also stand up to repeat readings and let you soak in the familiar magic of tiny joys like kitchens, puddles, sand, walking, playing…existing.
There’s people and humanity, there’s joy, there’s adventure everywhere. Great message for all ages.
And perhaps another good message for all. Especially adults, including myself: give things a chance. Books, food, experiences, people. Don’t just give up on something or someone that doesn’t grab you right away.
It’s super simple and driven by rhythm and visuals rather than conflict-driven story, and I started off a little impatient and not overly impressed with the illustrations. But I was drawn in a little at a time, as I drifted into a cadence of reading and an enjoyment of all the little details contained in each lovingly-rendered drawing.
A beautiful little book, especially for 2-5 year olds. If you’re less than two, or older than five, I would recommend sitting down with someone between those ages and investing a few minutes of your day experiencing it with them. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
