Sometimes you run across a book that can be read in different ways. Outside In is one such book. Between the images, and my take on text used, I had one impression, but when I read the description, I can see another vantage point. Books like this linger with me, perhaps this one might linger with you as well. This is my review.
What I am Reviewing
Deborah Underwood (best selling New York Times author) wrote Outside In which has been published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Cindy Derby used a mixture of dark dreary colours with bright pops of colour to illustrate this hardcover picture book. Written for primary school children, at 40 pages it is a nice book to share with a lap-child or for beginning readers to pick up.
Because of the different perspectives, you can take with Outside In, it’s an imaginative book with good nature themes.
Reviewing on behalf of Raincoast Books.
The Details on Outside In
Cindy Derby’s artwork has left me feeling very conflicted about which way I should read this book. Parts feel very low and depressive, and other parts feel very bright and ready for almost anything. At the same time nature abounds, making this tome a place of exploration and dreaming. It makes for an intriguing look-see.
Ooh… the colours in the leaves eh? Juxtapositioned against the bleakness of winter. How sad and quiet it can be in the winter, unless we look for the colour and life within it.
Too often that bleakness stays with us. Bring the light in, bring nature in, rejoice in the colour and life!
The large text size makes it easy for child and adult to read easily.
Should you get it?
Outside In is such an interesting book. Nature, colour, and emotions. There is much to see and discuss in this picture book.
Bring nature indoors whether with light or colour.
Don’t get stuck in a rut of quietness within.
