In Between

by April Pulley Sayre, April Pulley Sayre (Photographer), Jeff Sayre (With)

Overview

We all go through awkward, unsteady phases—even animals! Award-winning author and photographer April Pulley Sayre shines a light on nature’s in-between moments in this relatable nonfiction picture book.

Newly hatched, but not ready to fly. Eager to explore, but not ready to leave mama’s side. No longer a tadpole, but not ready to leap from water onto land. Animals, just like people, can find themselves in awkward in-between stages. How do we get out of the in-betweens? With patience and time—and sometimes a little push! Join celebrated author-photographer April Pulley Sayre for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into nature’s in-between moments.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534487826
Publisher:	Beach Lane Books
Publication date:	03/28/2023
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
Lexile:	AD370L (what's this?)
File size:	80 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

April Pulley Sayre (1966–2021) was the award-winning author of more than fifty-five natural science books for children and adults, including her award-winning photo-illustrated books Being Frog, Raindrops Roll, and Best in Snow. Sayre’s books received an abundance of starred reviews, have been dubbed ALA Notable Books (Raindrops Roll; Rah, Rah, Radishes) and won a Geisel Honor (Vulture View). Learn more at AprilSayre.com.

Editorial Reviews

★ 06/19/2023

Striking wildlife photography pairs with poetic lines in this ode to fleeting in-betweenness. From a robin landing to a hare mid-jump to chipmunks playfully wrestling, full-bleed photos by the late Pulley Sayre focus sharply on their subjects—amphibian, avian, insect, and mammalian alike—as they fly, splash, hide, and more while enduring the often uncomfortable experience of “almost.” Embracing alliteration and rhyme, narration gestures toward the universal as it meaningfully labels critters “in between/ holding tight// and letting go.” In an underwater shot, a juvenile frog lingers just below the surface: “Nice new knees,/ but still not leaping.” As examples build, patience and persistence are emphasized as necessary aspects of growth and change—experiences that the text reassuringly suggests unite all living things. Gesturing toward kinship with nature, the creative team supportively captures complicated feelings of being on the cusp. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

With a poetic text and sharp, uncluttered photographs, the Sayres examine transitions in the natural world— transitions from physical spaces as well as those between states of being.... Ideal for a group read-aloud, this book encourages discussion of personal “in betweens.

3/1/2023 - Horn Book Magazine

"Using succinct, poetic text and her signature close-up nature photography, Sayre explores awkward transitional moments experienced by all animals...this perceptive and reassuring offering will be welcomed by inbetweeners and the late Sayre's many fans."

3/15/2023 - Booklist

05/26/2023

PreS-Gr 2—In this eye-catching volume, Sayre captures elusive moments of transition in the natural world. Her vivid images and spare prose explore multiple interpretations of what it means to be "in-between" through scenes like a whale mid-leap, a reptile half-hidden among rocks, a tadpole that hasn't quite developed into a frog, and growing baby animals that are still dependent on their mothers. Vibrant photographs showcase a variety of creatures in diverse habitats, catching striking moments of action as well as quiet glimpses of cozy comfort. Images range from crisp close-ups that create a sense of intimacy to wider views that showcase the animals' environments. Easy-to-read text is laid out playfully, with font size and style emulating the animals' actions. The book appeals to a range of ages, inviting preschool or early elementary readers to discuss the abstract concept of being in-between, while babies and toddlers may simply delight in the animals and their activities. VERDICT A welcome choice for picture book collections, especially where nature and animal books are in high demand.—Allison Tran

School Library Journal

★ 2022-12-14
A celebration of transitions in the animal world.

The late April Pulley Sayre documents the in-between moments of animal lives in this posthumously published poem and photo album co-authored by her husband, Jeff. In words and pictures, they demonstrate preparations, waiting, anticipation, even some trepidation—animal experiences that their human readers will surely share. Ground squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons peek out from hiding places. There are takeoffs, flights, and landings featuring a chickadee, a robin, a blue jay, a red-tailed hawk, a wood stork, flamingos, and a whale leaping from the water. Some images show animals in families: robins in a nest, squirrels, Canada geese, two groundhogs. Many depict young animals, not quite prepared to go out in the world, “awkward,” “unsteady,” “almost ready.” A green darner dragonfly still perched on its previous nymph form—“body transformed, / but not yet gliding.” The close-up images are crisp and clear, the word choice is precise, and the poem flows smoothly—April Pulley Sayre has a well-deserved reputation for combining visuals and text to encourage a child’s awe at the natural world, and this exemplary work is a shining example. The animals are not identified, but most will be familiar to young American readers.(This book was reviewed digitally.)

Wondrous and wonderful, for reading and thinking and sharing. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews