The whole wide world and me by Toni Yuly

I feel like it's getting harder and harder to find picture books that are truly aimed at toddlers, not preschoolers or grade school children. Something simple that really little kids can enjoy and appreciate in storytime. One of the authors I depend on is Toni Yuly and her new book does not disappoint.

Simple illustrations in collage, charcoal, and digital collage show the big and small, all part of the world. The spreads show a dandelion, fish, and cloud first large and then on the following page small in relation to the unnamed girl. The second half of the book shows the the girl creating actions - rolling like a pebble down the mountain, splashing like a wave, and floating like a leaf. On the final spreads, the girl celebrates that she is a small and a big part of the whole world she sees around her.

Yuly's illustrations are bright and colorful, simple with just a few tiny details, like a ladybug, to find. Vibrant greens, soothing blues, and spiky yellow dandelions are spread through the book, with simple actions performed by a girl with straight black hair, pale skin, and a purple skirt, shirt, and green boots.

This would be a great storytime choice for toddlers, the simple language and bright collage illustrations catching and holding their interest. They can search for the little ladybug that appears throughout the story and identify simple parts of nature. Toddlers will also be great at trying out the different actions, floating, rolling, wiggling like a fish, and more. For older kids, pair this with other concept books like Anna Kang's You are (not) small and Henry Cole's Big Bug for a storytime on size and perspective.

Verdict: The clean lines and joyful, minimal language will make this a storytime staple for many ages. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780763692636; Published February 2019 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library