This Is a Window

February 15, 2024
An ode to childhood play and the boundlessness of imagination. The tots in this book embark on wild flights of fancy. The space between two coats in a closet becomes a window. A bookshelf with stuffed animals is transformed into a zoo. A picnic table doubles as a boat and a train. Concise sentences describe each scene: "This is an office. And now it's a store." Playful questions invite reader participation: "If this is a hat, could this be a shoe?" The accompanying image depicts a child first wearing a shoe as a hat and then using a pillow as a shoe. Soft, flat illustrations full of texture and pattern provide visual interest without becoming overwhelming. The art makes clear what's happening in each scene while still leaving room for readers to imagine alternate scenarios. On one page, a child plays in a hole dug by a dog. The child sits in the hole, puts a toy inside, and then fills it in, but readers can also come up with their own interpretations of what the little one is doing--or chime in with what they'd like to do. Adults sharing this book with children will marvel at the sense of wonder it conveys, while children will eagerly accept the invitation to use their own imaginations. The children have a range of different skin and hair colors. Perfectly captures the rich, fulfilling world of childhood fun to be found in the seemingly mundane. (Picture book. 3-5)

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May 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 2-This simple, engaging story of siblings and neighbors creating imaginary worlds is a beautiful illustration of the notion that "play is the work of children." Mixed media collage depicts children with a variety of skin tones and hairstyles working together to transform ordinary household objects and furniture into extraordinary spaces. The rhyme scheme and question format will draw readers in, and the bright palette and enticing details will inspire second and third looks. Completely child-centered, this cheerful title calls to mind classics such as Beatrice Schenk de Regniers's What Can You Do with a Shoe? and Ruth Krauss's A Hole Is to Dig. The story and images could inspire readers to take a new look at their own living and playing spaces. A strong choice for preschool story times and for educators looking for themes of cooperation, curiosity, and creativity. VERDICT A charming selection for most picture book collections.-Jennifer Costa

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