Synopsis
Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel explore the beauty and tenacity of life.
Life begins small, then grows…
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.
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About the Author
Cynthia Rylant is the author of more than one hundred books for young people, including beloved series Henry and Mudge, Motor Mouse, and Mr. Putter & Tabby series. Her novel Missing May received the Newbery Medal. She lives in Oregon.
Brendan Wenzel’s artwork often explores the natural world and our relationship to it and he has teamed up with many groups working to preserve wild places and creatures around the world. He has illustrated several acclaimed animal-themed picture books, including Some Bugs and Some Pets by Angela DiTerlizzi, Beastly Babies by Ellen Jackson, and his own They All Saw a Cat. He lives in New York.
Reviews
PreS-Gr 2—A spiritual yet not overtly religious epistle on hope and the many reasons to embrace life. It opens with the notion that "life begins small." Wenzel shows a seedling surrounded by mountains. The next spread declares: "Even for the elephants. Then it grows." A calf is seen looking up to the enormous adults in its herd. Several animals discuss what they love about life, and as the author acknowledges that "life is not always easy," readers observe a bluebird flying through a storm. They are asked to remember that there is always "something to love…and to protect." The narrative continues in this vein, promising that "it is worth waking up in the morning to see what might happen." The mood of the child-friendly illustrations shifts appropriately from the darkness of the wilderness to the vitality of life seen in a flock of birds crossing the moon. The illustrator infuses the book with humor where possible, such as in the expression of a floppy-eared, stick-bearing dog or a camel kicking up sand across a spread. However, Rylant's meandering messages on growth, love, protection, new roads, and—oddly—the value of waking up, raise the question of whether this title has an audience, particularly since these themes are unconnected to one another or to a story. Wenzel's exuberant paintings, though, are quite engaging and convey a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. VERDICT Best shared in an interactive setting.—Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library
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Life
Seller: Zoom Books East, Glendale Heights, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZEV.1481451626.VG
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Life
Seller: Used Book Company, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Shows minimal signs of wear and previous use. Can include notes highlighting. A portion of your purchase benefits nonprofits! - Note: Edition & format may differ from what is shown in stock photo & item details. May not include supplementary material such as toys, access code, dvds, etc. Seller Inventory # UBCV.1481451626.VG
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Life
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00103092494
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Life
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00092723471
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Life
Seller: Your Online Bookstore, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Good. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Seller Inventory # 1481451626-3-36659868
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Life
Seller: Dream Books Co., Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Gently used with minimal wear on the corners and cover. A few pages may contain light highlighting or writing, but the text remains fully legible. Dust jacket may be missing, and supplemental materials like CDs or codes may not be included. May be ex-library with library markings. Ships promptly! Seller Inventory # DBV.1481451626.G
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Life
Seller: Greenworld Books, Arlington, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Fast Free Shipping â" Good condition. It may show normal signs of use, such as light writing, highlighting, or library markings, but all pages are intact and the book is fully readable. A solid, complete copy that's ready to enjoy. Seller Inventory # GWV.1481451626.G
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Life
Seller: Zoom Books Company, Lynden, WA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZBV.1481451626.VG
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Life
Seller: ThriftBooks-Reno, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1481451626I3N00
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Life
Seller: ThriftBooks-Reno, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Wenzel, Brendan (illustrator). Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1481451626I3N10