Two beautiful children's picture books Candlewick: Whole Wide World and Me & Stardust [Review & Giveaway]

The Whole Wide World and Me by Tony Yuly

ISBN: 9780763692636
Hardcover

My thoughts:  Little children have no concept of the bigness of the world and seem to have an inflated sense of self presence. So this little picture book with its simplistic drawings in bold, stark colors on bright white backgrounds allows this little girl to place herself in the whole wide world as an important part.

She is part just as the little daisy in the field is. Just as the huge cloud in the sky is, so is she.

She is important. She has a sense of being and a sense of place. A blade of grass is important. She is important. Small is just as important as large.

Or, perhaps I'm thinking too much into the simple lines. Perhaps this is just a happy little girl who sees bits and pieces that make up the world and she says "Me," "I'm in the World, too."

Well, my own children when small used to say, "I love you the whole sky full." And.... "I love you to the Moon and back."

I think the book has sweet charm and will appeal to little ones.

About the book: A bold, joyful picture book for the very young shows that the natural world is full of wonders — and each of us is a small part of that.

Just as a pebble is part of a mountain, just as a wave is part of the sea, so, too, is every one of us part of something bigger. With bright collage illustrations and a simple, lyrical text, acclaimed author-illustrator Toni Yuly invites readers to celebrate our relationship to the natural world.

Stardust by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Briony May Smith

ISBN: 978153620256
Hardcover

My thoughts:  I just love the sweet, active family illustrations that show the action of this charming story so well. I can just feel the sweet little girl's sensitivity as she wants to excel and be a star just as her big sister is.

Living in the shadow of an older sister or sibling can sometimes be difficult. Parents must be careful in giving praise for the achievements of one child without damaging the sense of worth of the one who doesn't get to be star of the show, or quite measure up.

I love how grandpa senses the little girl's hurt and shows her that she, too, will be a star. After all, we're all made of stardust. He doesn't mean that "literally," he simply means that we all have abilities and we just need to use our abilities and do the best we can. Then we, too, will be a star. We are all worthy.

The book is lovely and will be an encouragement to children.

About the book: The perfect story for anyone who’s ever felt overshadowed.

One little girl dreams of being a star. But whether it's finding Mom's lost wedding ring or winning the costume prize, her big sister always shines brighter. In her grandfather’s eyes, though, she is a star. As he dries her tears and they both gaze up at the night sky, he tells a story about how everything and everyone is made of stardust and we all shine in different ways. With illustrations from new talent Briony May Smith, this is a touching story about being true to yourself from award-winning author Jeanne Willis.

GIVEAWAY

2 Winners Receive Both Books

Begins February 21

Ends March 20 at 12:01 EST

Open to USA and CANADA (No P.O. Boxes)

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press and Nosy Crow to facilitate a review. Opinion are my own, alone, and are freely given. Giveaway books are provided and sent directly to the winners by publisher.