Storywraps Blog
"Written in perfect rhyme that is enriched by whimsical, vibrant illustrations, this book pulls the reader into the magic it is about to weave… Nature reclaimed this town and its residents will never be the same. I loved the book and highly recommend it."
Resource Links
"An exquisite poem cleverly illustrated to evoke feelings of wonder and awe…Highly recommended for both public and school libraries as well as a gift for preschoolers and young elementary school aged children. It is a delight to read aloud at Story Time. The language is age appropriate with just enough variety of words to inspire curiosity and to expand vocabulary. The drawings invite contemplation."
Carol's Notebook blog
"I loved this little picture book…The illustrations are whimsical, detailed, and perfect for the story…The rhyming text is cute and I think this would make a wonderful read aloud."
Sal's Fiction Addiction blog
"The rhyme and rhythm of Charles Ghigna’s poetry and the wonder of nature shown in impeccably rendered digital artwork are worthy of celebration and close observation."
The Horn Book Online
Ghigna's smooth, rhyming verse is effectively complemented by Wilkinson's illustrations, which show the town first gray, then deep purple in the night, and finally in glorious, multicolored bloom come morning.
Canadian Teacher
"Beautifully illustrated…A great read-aloud for primary students."
CM Magazine
"The combination of poem and art will appeal to young children who can study the detail in the illustrations while listening to the narrative. Highly Recommended."
Jama's Alphabet Soup blog
"This captivating story will hook young readers from the opening lines, enchanting them with its lyrical text and evocative illustrations. Ghigna employs rhyming quatrains to brilliant effect, conjuring up bewitching images with his skillful use of poetic devices and sensory detail ('whispered echoes roam,' 'hallowed hush of twilight,' 'beneath the veil of twilight's blush'). Reading aloud his beautiful lines amplifies the magic."
BC BookLook
"This story is visually stunning, refreshing in its simplicity, and will no doubt become a 'Can we read it again?' favourite among readers of all ages."
Kirkus Reviews
2018-07-24
In the darkness of night, a forest reclaims a concrete city, to the delight of the animals and children.
With vibrant and engaging illustrations, this picture book sings the story of a paved parking lot returning to a paradise teeming with diverse people, plants, and animals. It begins with an illustration of distracted townspeople scurrying across gray streets on a summer evening. The children, full of wide-eyed wonder, notice the wind blowing in something new, represented as a little green dust devil. As the sun sets, bands of birds, bunnies, and beavers rendezvous on the outskirts of town, awaiting their opportunity. With logistical precision, seeds are dropped on rooftops and vacant lots, fountains are flooded, and the moon shines brightly on the saplings. In time-bending speed, the cement city gives way to fully bloomed flowers and tall trees. The morning sun brings a riot of colors and shapes, to the delight of all. Ghigna's rhythmic and rhyming couplets narrate the miracle with the respect and drama of a professional bard. But the lack of tension and the muted nighttime colors create a gentle story, suitable for a bedtime read-aloud. The inevitability of nature, full of wonder and life, encourages readers to celebrate the greenery in their own surroundings.
The multicultural faces make this a good choice for preschool and early-elementary shelves, especially in settings that prize a connection to nature. (Picture book. 3-10)
