Big, small, and in between, everything is in the world. Even things too big to hold, you can touch part of (cupping ocean water in your hand) or see all of (the sun, the moon).

--> Good choice for Mock Caldecott January 2024! ( )

First sentence: There are big things and little things in the world. Little animals. Tiny flowers. Pebbles. Things so small you can't see them. The big things are big. The sea. The sun. The moon.

Premise/plot: Is there a plot to The World and Everything In It??? Maybe a slight one. It's more of a perspective-reflective poem than a 'proper' story. (Not that poems aren't proper. But not all poems tell stories. Nor should they.) So the premise--big is big, small is small, and in-between is in-between.

My thoughts: I am conflicted. Kevin Henkes' illustrations are predictably delightful. While some of Henkes' picture books are equally strong in story AND illustrations, this isn't one of them. It's a quiet, subtle book. It's an opportunity to look at Henkes' artwork. To perhaps have conversations with a child on your lap. Ask questions--what do you see? can you find the kitten? etc. ( )