Susan Verde

In a Nutshell: A soothing book about being more mindful of the world around us, using our eyes.

This book belongs to a new series exploring the five senses through a mindfulness perspective. This first book focusses on the sense of sight.

Narrated from the first person perspective of a young child, the book tells us how the child ‘looks’ at a thing, and ‘sees’ a lot more. It highlights how we have a tendency to use our ability to look without registering the sight in front of us. show more There are plenty of examples provided such that the tricky difference between the concepts of ‘looking’ and ‘seeing’ become amply clear. The text also makes the process interactive, by asking the reader on a regular basis: “What can you see?”

I couldn’t help but remember W.H. Davies’ parting words in his poem ‘Leisure’:
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
This book reminds us to ‘stand and stare’. (Not in a creepy way! show less

This is a new favorite. The illustrations carry me to the dusty African landscape of Gie Gie's home. I ache with thirst as she does, surrounded by the myriad of dry, hot browns and yellows. I love the choice of text font, as it seems to personify Gie Gie's voice perfectly. Despite her hardships, she has the love of her father and mother and the company of her mid-day friends and her wonderful imagination. This is a beautiful book to introduce children to the plight of other children around show more the world and have them interested in knowing how to connect with and help others. The end of the story includes an author's note about the real "Gie Gie" and the foundation she started to provide clean, fresh drinking water to rural and remote villages. This book would also be helpful for young children to gain perspective on the wider world versus their own. show less

Helping oneself can benefit others.

A brown-skinned, long-haired child comes to an important realization: “The better I feel inside, the more I can be there for others.” With compassion and a commitment toward doing what’s right, the youngster says, we can change the world. We can be a safety net for others, we can collectively demand justice, we can have gentle conversations to work out differences, and we can welcome others into the community. Combining creative talents, we can show more celebrate together; connecting with others opens up wonderful possibilities. Verde’s contemplative text sets a tone at once musing and affirming, while Reynolds’ cartoon illustrations visualize the concepts in practical ways, grounding readers in colorful and emotive images. In one noteworthy scene, the protagonist sits across a grassy ledge from a pale-skinned, red-haired child, both looking serious but understanding as they talk, the glowing sun and a distant ocean behind them. These characters are physically separated but clearly share a connection. An author’s note urges readers to try a group yoga exercise, while an accompanying image depicts young people leaning on one another in tree pose—a concrete example of how we are all stronger together. The cast is diverse.

A genuine call to action paired with sincere reflection. (Picture book. 3-6)

-Kirkus Review show less

A highly energetic boy narrates the story of his busy life in this picture-book from American author Susan Verde and Australian illustrator Andrew Joyner. Each two-page spread contains only a few words or sentences - "Slow down? / Sure, I can take a moment to recharge / But when I'm ready and powered up again / WATCH ME GO!" - while the accompanying artwork depicts the boy, who is always on the move...

Apparently inspired by Verde's son, who is also full of energy, Unstoppable Me is meant, show more according to the author's brief afterword, to destigmatize hyperactive children who can't sit still, and who require lots of activity and motion as part of their day. The narrative is meant to cast that boundless energy in a positive light, and it does just that, while the cute, colorful illustrations depict the boy and a diverse range of family and friends engaged in various pursuits. Given how often this kind of child gets into trouble in our educational system, how hyperactivity is seen as problematic (even pathologized at times), I appreciate the positive approach highlighted here. Recommended to hyperactive children, and to the adults in their lives. show less