Natura

Stop and look--and look again. At first glance, each illustration appears to be mostly white space surrounding a single monochromatic image painted in deep blue. But hold it up to the light, and an intricate magenta underlay appears. Suddenly, simple branches are full of hidden birds, bugs, and butterflies. Bears and squirrels roam through previously barren woods. This striking effect is accomplished by thin, doubled pages connected at their outer edges. The blue artwork is printed on the front, while the magenta layer sits on a sheet behind it, just dark enough to show through. The effect is subtle enough that readers quickly flipping through the pages might miss it entirely. Seeing the full detail requires holding the book up to eye level and positioning it just so in the light. (Fittingly, natural light works best.) While the art sets this tale apart, the words are beautiful, too. Originally written in Spanish and presented alongside an English translation, the verse is also an ode to looking closely. Ferrada begins by expounding on the lines crisscrossing a leaf. Slowly, as the illustrations switch focus to the leaf's branch, the tree, and the forest, the author contemplates their interconnections to each other across the year. A child (who isn't depicted in the art) notices that the patterns of the forest are reflected within a single leaf. A quietly astonishing delight unfurls for those who take the time to look beneath the surface.(Picture book. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.