ALL AROUND US
by XELENA GONZÁLEZ
ILLUS. by ADRIANA M. GARCIA
Cinco Puntos Press,
2017
ISBN 9781941026762
In my March 22nd post, As Young As Spring, I mentioned several nature themed books. Today, I’d like to offer a review of one of those titles. Since a picture paints a thousand words, I’ve chosen, All Around Us, a picture book by Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia. Available in many libraries and bookstores, I hope reading it will be the start of a flourishing Spring season for you, an inspiration to spend time outdoors, (my heart goes out to my fellow allergy sufferers), and an opportunity to share with others about the wonders of nature and our wonderful Earth.
Grandpa’s daily chores and routines seem mundane and dreary yet through them his granddaughter learns about the wonders of nature that encompass everything about them, including her.
When she sees a rainbow arc in the sky, Grandpa explains that the other half of the circle, the part we cannot see, is hidden in the earth. Patting the garden soil where Grandpa planted seeds, he reminds his grandchild that the seeds, though now unseen, will become the visible fruits and vegetables that will feed them.
Throughout the day, Grandpa introduces her to many other unseen secrets and she begins to see and to understand her own place in the circle of life.
All Around US by Xelena González is a reflective celebration of life; a warm and tender story of the relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter and the lessons he teaches her about our connection to the earth and the world around us. The illustrations by Adriana M. Garcia support the theme of circles all around with deep rich earth tones, and bright greens and vibrant yellows that swirl around each page. Intermingling with the text, they enfold the reader into the story to help them feel the warmth of the earth and the love between adult and child.
All Around Us is a 2018 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book, an ALSC Notable Children’s Book and a 2018 American Indian Youth Literature Award: Picture Book Honor recipient.
See you next time on May 22nd. Until then, happy reading with whatever new book friends you make.
Veronica Jorge
Books Reviewed by Veronica
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In my March 22nd post, As Young As Spring, I mentioned several nature themed books. Today, I’d like to offer a review of one of those titles.
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Don’t spend money on green drinks, wrinkle creams, and hair dyes to take out the grey. It’s Springtime. Immerse yourself in nature and rejuvenate!
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Every Valentine’s Day chocolate in all shapes and sizes: loose, bagged, heart-shaped boxes, can be found everywhere. Including in my pantry, in the candy dish, on my plate. Well, you get the picture. I like chocolate. (I indulge year round).
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Featured Author Veronica Jorge credits her love of history to the potpourri of cultures that make up her own life and to her upbringing in diverse Brooklyn, New York.
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It’s the dead of winter and I’m still raking leaves and collecting branches that the winds have broken and scattered; all of which will eventually be ground into mulch and reused and reclaimed to nourish the soil. I even pick up a few feathers from fallen birds; taking off my gloves to feel the smoothness of the feathers, and to admire the colors and designs in each one.
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