Dear Little One

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Celebrate the wonder of the world in this reassuring picture book about the joy, love, and beauty found in each and every day that is a “visually stunning ode to the beauty of nature” (School Library Journal, starred review).

From the treasure of flowers to the mystery of insects, this lyrical book encourages children to explore the natural world around them and to be grateful for all that surrounds them. With jewel-like artwork, every page is a treasure for children just born or exploring the world full of possibilities we all share.

PreS-Gr 3–Much like Laden and Castrillón’s other collaborations, this offers readers a gentle message about celebrating the world’s natural beauty in big and small ways. Colorful, truly stunning illustrations drive this story, as a young girl with pale skin and thick, dark curls navigates the world with her kerchief-clad dog in tow. Framed as a letter full of love and gratitude from Mother Nature, this book helps readers explore the water, flowers, trees, animals, deserts, mountains, and stars along with the main character. The book contains sparse text, limited to one or two sentences per page. Young readers will find the text accessible, though they will want to pause to appreciate the details in the artwork. It is also suitable for read-alouds in a classroom or story-hour setting. The book would pair nicely with units on Earth Day or environmentalism, as well as art and design. VERDICT Laden and Castrillón have paired to create a lush, visually stunning ode to the beauty of nature. This book is a recommended first purchase for school and public libraries, particularly where If I Had a Little Dream and Yellow Kayak circulate well.–Monisha Blair, Glasgow M. S., Alexandria, VA -- School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW October 1, 2021

Nina Laden is the author-illustrator of many books for kids, including the Peek-a series; Who Loves You, Baby?; The Night I Followed the Dog; Yellow Kayak; Dear Little One; and Love Is My Favorite Color. She lives with her husband on Lummi Island, Washington. Visit her online at NinaLaden.com.

Melissa Castrillon studied at the Cambridge School of Art where she earned a first class honors degree in illustration and a master’s degree in children’s book illustration. She is the illustrator of If I Had a Little Dream by Nina Laden. She is also the author-illustrator of The Balcony, which received the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. Her book Dear Little One, by Nina Laden, was a School Library Journal best picture book of the year. Her books have been published all over the world. She lives in Cambridge, England, with her husband.

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