Review by Booklist Review
A surprise from nature unexpectedly sets in motion a day of imaginative fun in this celebration of creativity and self-expression. When a trio of friends visits the park, things are calm and quiet and "nothing's happening." But following the wind "rustling the leaves of the trees, sending seeds spiraling into the air," the kids begin dancing, mirroring the seeds' movement. Progressively, other park-goers of all ages join in, as dancing leads to singing, painting, and more--the trees become a castle; playground equipment, a ship--each activity flowing into another, culminating in a festive parade and contemplative cloud watching. Eventually, it's time for the friends to head home, where bedtime and sleep await--as does "the twirling dance of their dreams." Hughes' lively, poetic lines are nicely enhanced by Rooney's luminous mixed-media illustrations, which lend a whimsical, fanciful sense of enchantment to the scenes with colorful swirls of imagery and details dancing across the pages. With its inviting, playful presentation, this is a charming ode to imagination and wonder and a celebration of the ways nature can connect and delight.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
An ordinary park outing transforms into an afternoon of creativity for the children who star in this joyous tribute to imagination-fueled play. Though it seems at first that "nothing" is going on, three friends soon take note of the way "the wind was rustling the leaves of the trees,/ sending seeds spiraling into the air." The effect proves enlivening, and their enthusiasm soon spreads to other park-goers. Rhythmic lines trace a snowballing series of creative events until "a thrilling adventure unfolded over land and sea,/ with magical creatures,// a daring battle,/ a dramatic chase." Even after the group heads home, their inspiration results in new possibilities via bedtime dreams. Hughes's spare lyricism proves a ready partner for Rooney's mixed-media artwork. Figures rendered in pencil, cut paper, and digital techniques have a free-spirited energy that stands out against pale chromatic landscapes. The result is a friendly communal examination of making's magic. Ages 6--8. (Sept.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
On an ordinary-seeming day, the wind sends seeds into the air. Three friends dance with the seeds, which prompts others in the park to join in and play imaginatively in this uplifting story. Ribbons of color in the mixed-media art give a sense of the spread of inspiration. Casual representation, particularly of a child who uses a wheelchair participating in the original "seed dance," is a welcome aspect. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Just when you think nothing's happening. Three friends--all dark-haired, one presenting Black and using a wheelchair, one tan-skinned, one pale-skinned--visit the park one morning. Nothing's going on. The wind rustles leaves, sending seedpods dancing. This inspires the kids to twirl. Others, inspired by the friends, also dance spontaneously. A delighted baby claps and sings; her mother joins in accompaniment. A neighbor taps a cane. The friends and other children draw instruments out of chalk on the pavement and then pretend to play them. Inspiration's everywhere, with no signs of stopping! The kids construct a castle out of a tree and wave to a "passing ship"--children in a nearby jungle gym. A battle, chase, and parade ensue. Pausing to rest, the children look up to witness the "shifting stories" in the clouds. With the sun setting, the friends hurriedly head home, where more inspiration awaits. Marvelous ideas soon take flight in their dreams. This is an uplifting, beautifully written story about possibilities and letting creative ideas play out freely. It demonstrates that inspiration is everywhere, even in small things and moments; we need only look for it to unlock our own creative potential. The colorful, dynamic illustrations were created with pencil, textured and found papers, and digital drawing tools. Background characters are diverse. An inspired story about letting the creative spirit freely move you.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
