Published by HMH Books for Young Readers

Summary:  “Once we were part of Outside and Outside was part of us.”  But now, even when we’re outside, we can be inside, like when we’re riding in a car.  It’s easy to forget about Outside, but it has a way of reminding us it’s there, by sending sunlight streaming through a window or filling the air with chirps, rustles, and tapping on the roof.  The food we eat, the water we drink, and the materials that make our clothing and furniture all come from Outside.  Answer the call, as the girl in this story does, and make your way outside.  40 pages; grades K-3.

Pros:  This gorgeously illustrated ode to nature should find a place in every library and classroom.  It would make a great jumping-off point to talk about the importance of getting outside, and all the parts of our world that come from nature.  The illustrations, which I learned from the verso page are “watercolor and powdered graphite on cold press paper” should definitely get considered for some awards.

Cons:  The idea of Outside as a separate being may be a bit hard for younger kids to grasp.

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