The iconic sagebrush is synonymous with the landscape of the western United States. This stunning picture book takes a deeper look at this seemingly unassuming plant and how it plays a key role in its landscape. Using evocative, affirmative prose from the perspective of the sagebrush plant itself, Fagan demonstrates its tenacity in how it not only grows, but thrives, in the harshest of environments. Fagan also shows the way that the wildlife in the Big Empty depend on sagebrush in multiple ways, which change according to the seasons and their individual needs. I learned new facts about the plant (I wasn't aware that it also grew in Canada, which is great) as I imagine other older readers will, too.


The illustrations here are breathtaking, showcasing all of the details of the southwest with splashes of color in unexpected places. While reading I really got a feel for the temperature of the desert area, especially at nighttime. My favorite illustrations are the ones which show the sagebrush roots reaching deep into the dry soil, out of sight and keeping the plants going, and the spread showing their flowers in bloom. The notes at the end give the reader greater detail about the illustration process as well as facts about the sagebrush and the types of animals that it shares the space with. The human element is very much in the background of this story, which strengthens it overall. With the exception of an RV speeding by (which can also be read as a subtle commentary, which I'll elaborate on below) the environment itself always takes center stage. Even the source of the large brush fire that underscores the plant's restorative abilities is a lightning strike rather than something manmade. (Although the addition of the latter would also have worked while providing necessary and realistic context about the threats that the Big Empty faces.)

Another great appeal of the book is the way that the author emphasizes that ALL components of an ecosystem are important and that they have a purpose, even if others don't see it at first glance. Fagan encourages young readers to take a closer look and find the beauty and wonder in the environment, which in turn leads to greater appreciation, as well. This would be a good addition to work well in conjunction with other books about the variety of landscapes across the United States, including some lesser-known ones.



Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing Group) for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

A spare, quiet, reflective, and deeply thought-provoking children's book about the Big Empty [land mostly in the west/southwest] and the sagebrush that both lives there and almost singlehandedly keeps everything and everyone [deer, birds, and the like] alive when there is no water.

Beautifully told, with gorgeous illustrations this book will show littles a land they may have never seen and how so many things work together to survive. Notes at the end really add to the overall story and this will be both a lovely learning experience [that adults can draw from to teach more], whilst also very entertaining.

I loved this one so much and highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kirbi Fagan, and Lerner Publishing Group/Millbrook Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not sure if this is intended to be a children's book, but it seems a bit unusual. The artwork is good, although a little scary and the wording is too adult for a children's book. Honestly, I can't think of anyone I know that I would want to give this book to, but I appreciate the effort that went into it.

This book does an amazing job at explaining (in a captivating way) the wonders of sagebrush. I remind my students often that everything in nature is connected, everything has its place and job. This book breaks down what sagebrush's role is for young readers in an easy-to-understand way.

Thank you to the author and publisher for letting me read an early copy of this book! As a wildlife educator, I'm always interested in books that help children understand the natural world more easily.

These illustrations were phenomenal. We had been watching The America's on Peacock so he recognized a lot of what was in the book. He now says "I want to go there" every time he points to the book!

Super poetic childrens book about sagebrush and the desert landscape and ecosystem. Equally educational and beautiful. The artwork is breathtaking and the prose is enchanting. My kid doesn't really want to revisit this one over and over but it's definitely one for a classroom or museum setting and to help children understand a different landscape in the desert.

The Big Empty brings a sagebrush survival story to life. Being that most kids have not been to the desert of the west, but can picture in their mind the miles and miles of “the big empty”, this text is great for teaching plant adaptations and changes.

The Big Empty is a lovely and lyrical book, ideal for sparking discussions about resilience, interconnectedness, and the sagebrush ecosystem. It follows a familiar format in children’s nonfiction: an easy-to-read, poetic story followed by a factual section that highlights the elements of the ecosystem featured in the narrative.

The book evokes a poignant sense of emptiness, exemplified by a lone RV puttering through the landscape, and gently explores how quiet, essential parts of the environment can be overlooked. Themes of hope and interdependence are woven throughout.

However, its contemplative tone, while beautiful, may also lead this book to be overlooked. Given the quiet, restful nature of the central character of the sagebrush, the book might benefit from a more integrated narrative approach, similar to what’s seen in Life After Whale, to increase re-readability and deepen scientific engagement. Still, The Big Empty offers a quiet, powerful reminder of the value found in often-overlooked landscapes, and for the right reader, it may spark a lasting curiosity about the natural world.

Thanks to Millbrook Press and NetGalley for providing an advance reading copy.

The Big Empty by Kirbi Fagan
This was a wonderful book about the sagebrush plant. It has beautiful illustrations and just the right amount of factual information for a young reader. I enjoyed the information and the wonderful illustrations. 4/5⭐
I would like to Thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this wonderful book!

Beautifully written and illustrated, this picture book brings voice to the world of western North American through the eyes of the sagebrush that covers the landscape. Themes of resilience and determination to thrive after loss.

I read this with my 5 year old and he enjoyed the pictures and asked questions about what was happening. The informational matter at the end was thoughtful and a great way to learn more about the Big Empty.

I will be adding a physical copy of this book to our home bookshelf and to my classroom library.

I loved Kirbi Fagan's middle grade novel A Horse Named Sky, so I was excited to read her new picture book, The Big Empty. It did not disappoint—beautifully written, filled with fascinating facts at the end, and enriched by stunning, detailed illustrations. As someone living in western North America, I found the book especially intriguing.

A love letter to the west and the sagebrush that sustains it. I always knew that sagebrush was important to the ecosystem, but I had no idea just how much! It is truly more than it appears to be, and absolutely the saving grace of its dry, hot desert climate. This book teaches us this very fact with such poetic reverence, as well as beautifully atmospheric illustrations.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this picture book with clear & beautiful illustrations. I wonder if some of the language will go over younger readers' heads - however, as an adult reader I found it poetic and heartwarming. I loved the facts at the end of the story.

The Big Empty
By Kibi Fagan
This book has wonderful beautiful illustration. The story highlighted the value of the ecosystem and sage bush. It was also metaphorical about the importance everyone has in life.

I read it to my eight, five, and two year old and they all loved the story and looking at the pictures.

The Big Empty would be a perfect mentor text for our STEM unit on plant adaptations. I loved that the story is told from the perspective of the Sagebrush and how this strong and resilient plant is able to provide for so many basic needs of the other living creatures in it's home. The informational pages at the end of the book would be great for digging deeper to understand this amazing plant and noting the differences from one area or region to another all with the same aim - to survive.

I love the art in this book and some of the text gave me chills. I love seeing this perspective of an overlooked part of the American landscape. And the informational section in the back is cool.

The illustrations were great! I also enjoyed how the author drew a lot of connections between the sage bush and the overall ecosystem.

I didn’t love how the book felt a bit heavy (given that young children are the audience) and the themes felt a bit over-baked (maybe trying too hard to be profound when a simplified story would have been more impactful for younger readers).

Overall, a nice little book.

This picture book about sagebrush is perfect. Stunning illustrations capture the essence of the desert, and the prose and plot reveal both the harshness and the beauty of the environment.
The story is simple but allows for readers to become curious. The additional information at the back of the book is a great place to begin more research. I'll be adding a physical copy to my childrens' collection.

Informative, poetic and gorgeous. This book tells the story from the POV of sagebrush itself and forces the reader to grapple with the importance and significance of every aspect of an environment and life. This is stunning, engaging and a great addition to any collection or classroom. There is both ordinary glimpses of life AND immense hardship.

If adults are willing to spend the time introducing this story to kids, it offers so much. The personification of the sagebrush helped to introduce true facts while weaving a message of hope, renewal, and resiliency. Although kids may not initially be drawn to the topic, this is a book worth “selling” to teachers and kids (lots of curriculum connections in with science, ELA). Great organization of back matter and beautiful illustrations as well!