Extraordinary!

K-Gr 2–While wishes and dreams of extraordinary things are wonderful, this book is here to remind readers of the importance of everyday moments and things. These include quiet moments, time spent in nature, beach adventures, swinging high, and family time: “These are the moments that twinkle and shine. They’re tiny and swift, but they’re yours and they’re mine.” Harrison’s rhyming text is not only a joy to read aloud, but it makes an abstract concept for children easy to grasp. Wilson’s realistic illustrations, which include full-page spreads and quadriptychs, are a perfect match for the text. Using plenty of detail, spot-on color choices, and just enough white space, they beautifully and unequivocally depict the intent of the text. The book is summed up in its final sentences: “You can reach for the grand the mighty, it’s true. Just remember the ordinary is extraordinary, too.” The scenes move to a winter night that ends with a display of the northern lights.