Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--A group of children in a suburban neighborhood, through imaginative play, transform their backyard into a bustling city. Willow branches become a car wash, an overturned plastic pool transforms into a trendy cafe, and a jump rope tied to a pine cone becomes a pet on a leash. Conrad uses simple text to tell her story. Her illustrations depict the objective reality of the children's play, allowing readers to project their own visions onto the story. Their imaginary city is enhanced by collage artwork, in which mundane shapes compose delightful scenes. The children's faces are simple circles with friendly U-shaped mouths; their clothes display an array of fun patterns; different races and hairstyles are represented. Conrad's compositions effortlessly convey a sense of movement and play. VERDICT Few stories capture the joy of playing pretend in such a simple, direct way as this immensely charming book, perfect for reading aloud or independent exploration.--Chance Lee Joyner
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this follow-up toThis Is a Window (2024), a backyard is transformed into a vibrant city as a group of children come together for a day of play. Creating a sign labeled "Cat Pine Falls," the little ones jump into action. Conrad ably conveys children's limitless creativity: Acorns become currency, a flipped-over kiddie pool turns into a table at a cafe, trees serve as skyscrapers, and the dangly branches of a weeping willow act as a car wash. Each illustration feels like a freeze frame from an actual day. An image of the "school," for instance, contains an assortment of items: small sticks tied together, larger sticks resting on an angle against a log, and an overturned watering can. Nothing is labeled, leaving plenty of space for readers to imagine whatever they see--could those larger sticks be a slide? The children vary in skin tone and hair color; all have the same expression, tiny black eyes, and a curve for a smile, making clear their happiness. Consisting largely of simple shapes and blocks of color, the illustrations have an appealing, two-dimensional feel; visual interest will be high, and kids will enjoy picking out details in the art. A winsome foray into a world of pure imagination.(Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
