Look and Be Grateful

* “The beloved, Wilder Award-winning illustrator spins a simple paean to gratitude. DePaola has been moving toward an ever more simple and radiant aesthetic, as his pictures become increasingly iconic and his colors, as on this beautiful tea-stained paper, become as translucent as glass. . . . he pares down his hymn of joy to the single moment, to the day we have been given. Even toddlers will recognize the sun, the ladybug, the flowers, and the oranges, and they will comprehend the mostly one-syllable, hand-lettered words and the open-gestured hands in many skin tones. The repetition of those open hands, the image of a white dove, and the girl and boy on the cover echo the repeated words of gratitude. The blue and gold endpapers are filled with stars. Thank you, Tomie.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“With very simple wording, accompanied by dePaola’s signature illustrations, this text reminds young children that every day is a gift for which we should be grateful. . . . The uncluttered pages suit the minimal text and make the book accessible to very young children. A gentle message for families, church preschools, and other early childhood programs.”—School Library Journal

“Rather than go the route of many before him in this genre and provide a catalogue of all the things that readers should be thankful for, dePaola takes a different tack: he urges his audience to be fully present in and grateful for the world around them . . . With its naive beauty and unaffected solemnity, it s a little book that may quickly become a treasured keepsake.”—Publishers Weekly

“With all the picture books designed for just-before sleep . . . why not one to bring you awake? DePaola’s rouse from sleep is a gentle one, asking readers to ‘open your eyes, and look.’ The text remains quiet, moving from its opening imploration to a suggested response: ‘Be grateful, for everything you see.’ The brief handwritten text on peachy-beige paper is accompanied by the simplest of images: a child, a flower or two, one of the artist’s signature doves.”—The Horn Book