Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Here’s a children’s book to calm the storm around you and inspire appreciation of the beauty of life.

Title: Life
Written by: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by: Brendan Wenzel
Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster 2017
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes/topics: nature, animals, challenges, beauty

Opening:
Life begins small.

Brief synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com)
There are so many wonderful things about life, both in good times and in times of struggle. Through the eyes of the world’s animals—including elephants, monkeys, whales, and more—Cynthia Rylant offers a moving meditation on finding beauty around us every day and finding strength in adversity. Brendan Wenzel’s stunning landscapes and engaging creatures make this an inspiring and intriguing gift for readers of all ages.

Activities:
Connect the book to your own life. Where do you find beauty? How is your life changing?

Activity page

Why I like this book:
Beautiful, simple, uplifting, quiet. There are times when a child needs a book like this.
188 words stretched over 48 pages. This is an interesting book for children’s authors and illustrators to examine an editor’s choices. While it could easily be the usual 32 pages, the text is spread out, expanding the book, letting illustrations take hold of even two word bits so they sit in your mind, taking the reader slowly through the thoughtful text.

Visit author Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books for a plethora of picture books listed by title and topic/theme, each with teacher/parent activities and resources.