FICTION

The Knowing Book

by Rebecca Kai DOTLICH
illus. by Matthew Cordell. 32p. Boyds Mills. Feb. 2016. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781590789261.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—This picture book encourages readers to make the most of their lives. "Open a door. Follow a trail/or a sidewalk or a sign./Any one of them will/take you somewhere." The main character is a rabbit who is leaving home with only a scarf around his neck and a suitcase on his back. The rabbit's mom and dad are seen in the shadows. Curiosity and adventure are encouraged. As the rabbit explores the world and experiences doubt, worry, and fear, the narrator reminds him to turn to something that is always reliable and there: the sky and his own internal strengths. The beautiful pen and ink with watercolor illustrations are as goose bump-inducing as the words of wisdom in the text.
VERDICT This inspirational book could be given as a graduation gift at almost any age.
Reviewed by Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada
Tender affirmations are offered in this book about staying grounded while stepping out to experience life. Readers are reminded that some truths are "what you will always know," while other kinds will be gained as one encounters "delicious and dark things" in life. The inspirational text may fall flat with kids, but the pen-and-ink with watercolor illustrations have plenty of kid-appeal.
 , Jan 01, 2016

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