Just To See

Kirkus Reviews (03/15/2022):

Using binoculars, a young girl observes the forest daily from her treehouse. One day, she sees something that "wasn't there yesterday" and runs to find out what it is. It turns out to be a deer whose antlers have grown so tall that they look like a tree from far away. The White redheaded girl asks the deer if she can climb his antlers to the top, and he says "if you want. You can tell me what you see." As she climbs, she encounters creatures perched in the deer's antlers: mice, rabbits, and birds having a birthday party with balloons, party hats, cake, and oatmeal raisin cookies; critters waiting in line to take a shower in the suspended water droplets found high up in the atmosphere; other small animals growing flowers in pots; a large snake lounging. Finally, the girl reaches the top, where she watches the sun set and the moon rise. In this French import, translated by McCalmont, the colored-pencil illustrations use free-flowing vertical lines that create a sense of movement and muted hues that convey a feeling of calm. Visual clues on each double-page spread hint at what is to come on the subsequent pages. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A simple, fanciful story about the rewards of courageously exploring the unknown. (Picture book. 4-7) COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Booklist (03/15/2022):

Grades K-2 A girl scans the familiar wilderness with her binoculars and gets a surprise: unusual branches extending high above the tree line. She rushes out to investigate and discovers a deer with enormous antlers. When she wonders how far they extend, the unruffled deer is happy to let her ascend and report back on her findings. Up she goes, observing all kinds of happenings in the antlers. There are bunting and balloons for a wildlife birthday party, ladders to a flourishing garden, and an enormous snoozing snake. To the very tip-top she climbs, ultimately rewarded with unparalleled views of a violet sunset and a sparkling starry sky. This gentle French import is a peculiar delight, and the pastel colored-pencil illustrations somehow feel both spacious and intimate, conjuring a real feeling of increasing height from spread to spread. The antlers are host to myriad darling details to keep young readers engrossed and examining each page. It's a thrilling call to seek out the unknown and discover the small wonders that await in every setting. COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.