With eyes wide open to the mysteries of nature, a child on a hike discovers that "a leaf is a boat for a beetle" and that "a nest is a cradle for eggs." Tired from her long walk, she sleeps-and in her dream she flies like a bird and marvels at the beauty around her. This planet that is home to so many creatures is magical when seen through the eyes of wonder.
Selected for Bank Street's "Best Children's Books Of The Year"
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Editorial Reviews
From Glenn Perrett, Metroland, North, Canada
"Beautiful illustrations complement the simple text providing the young reader with a glimpse of the natural beauty of the planet."
From Arizona Networking News, Editor's Choice, Scottsdale, AZ
"This is the exuberant tale of a child's first nature discoveries... celebrated in a realistic fantasy of nature from a child's point of view."
From OC Family Magazine, Newport Beach, CA -
"The beautiful illustrations convey the sense of wonder that an innocent child has when beholding the world." -Craig Reem
From New Age Retailer's National Review Network, Bellingham, WA -
"The bold colors, sharp detail, and active illustrations are captivating.... The book is recommended for children ages 3 to 8. However, both adults and children will enjoy it. Place it face front, and watch people pick it up!" Jean E. Hansgen
From Church Educator, Prescott, AZ -
"All Around Me, I See is to see from a child's point of view, fresh and new.... this is truly a book that belongs in the hands of those who love and care for God's creation."
From Parents' Express, Philadelphia, PA -
"Save this picture book for a read aloud treat on a quiet summer night... The pictures are as lush as the rhymes are; readers and listeners will easily be lulled into the proper mood." -Bobbie Combs
From Learning Explorations, Dayton, Ohio, -
"This book captures the eye, mind, and imagination - and you feel that exuberant joy of childhood" Barbara Geiger, President
From The Center For Place-Based Education, Keene, NH -
"Immersed in a child's eye view of the world, the reader feels the child's joy in nature..." -Prof. David Sobel, Co-Director
From Library Media Connection, Worthington, OH -
"The words match the pictures, which are beautifully reflective of nature, with vibrant colors and realistically portraying the animals and child's family.... The pictures alone could be used as a teaching tool to learn about animals' habitats and the wonders of nature."
From CountyKids.com, Westport, CT -
"Illustrator Cris Arbo truly captivates with her colorful artwork, and evokes the emotions of childhood delight. Her techniques of fantasy realism portray the child's eye view with magic and vitality."
The humble dandelion, by roadside or mountainside, it flowers every month of the year throughout the world, a fitting symbol of life. Its journey is our journey, filled with challenge, wonder, and beauty. Joseph Anthony's story of mystery and truth, and illustrator Cris Arbo's stunningly detailed illustrations make this book a joy for all.
| Awards |
Winner of Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal Award for Children's Picture Books
McGraw/Hill ‘early reader program’ for New York City public schools. |
Editorial Reviews
From Scholastic Book Wizard -
"Joseph Anthony's story of mystery & truth and illustrator Cris Arbo's stunningly detailed illustrations make this book a joy for all."
From Education Clearinghouse -
"What an impressive work I hold in my hand. This book is intended for the age range of 3-10, but even an adult will find it warmly written and easy to embrace as the story unfolds, a bit at a time, page by page... This book has won numerous awards and after reading it, I can see how and why. It is beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written. A true treasure for every child and family to enjoy."
From NAPRA Review
"This beautifully illustrated story is profoundly simple and wise." East Sound, Washington From Children's Literature
From Children's Literature
"Autumn has arrived and there's one last dandelion seed left to be carried away by the wind. The seed tries to resist, but the wind is just too strong. During its adventure in the air, the dandelion seed discovers that the world is made up of many things- some frightening, some beautiful. It takes this discovery for the seed to find out its purpose and where its roots will lie. This is a "spread your wings and fly" story with nature again serving as the great metaphor for life. Fabulous detail-oriented illustrations make this a must have." - Sheree van Vreede
In a Nutshell (Sharing Nature With Children Book)
by Joseph Anthony, Cris Arbo (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 3-10, Publisher: Dawn Publications;
Edition: Paperback ISBN: 188322098X; (September 1999) 
Hardcover (2003) ISBN: 1883220998
- Who we are, why we are here, where we come from and where we go. Every child ponders life's greatest questions. Here, in a nutshell, is a tale about life.
An acorn drops from a great oak and grows. Animals nibble at it, a fire threatens it, but overcoming many challenges it eventually towers high in the forest, observing the changing human scene below. Eventually its energy passes into many other life forms--even the cherry pie enjoyed by the boy in the house below.
Also Published in in Chinese and Korean.
| Awards |
A Parent Council, LTD "Outstanding Selection" 2000
Virginia State Reading Association's "Children's Choice" List 2002-2003 |
Editorial Reviews
From London Diocesan Board For Schools - "A spectacular book with clear text and fabulous illustrations. Highly recommended."
From Hearthside Books "Dawn finds the most eloquent writers, the best storytellers, the finest illustrators. Books such as 'In A Nutshell'... mesmerize children with their thrilling account from nature, and their breathtaking illustrations..."
From Midwest Book Review "Highly recommended"
From Charlottesville Weekly
" Gloriously Illustrated . . . A spiritual story about life from sprouting to rotting and beyond."
CRIS ARBO
Titles
