Everybody's Somewhere

November 1, 2017
The anxiety that comes from being separated can be eased when youngsters can imagine themselves in the universe while picturing where others might be. In this quiet picture book, the author of The Way I Feel series sensitively, playfully explores the idea. It begins with a question posed in bouncy type: "Everybody's somewhere, / Where are you?" This eventually leads to the answer: "Each of us is somewhere / Here or there. / Each of us is someone / In our own somewhere." A multicultural cast of "someones" is depicted in a variety of situations, whether inside or outside, under sun or clouds, flying in a plane or running in a marathon. One affecting scene featuring a servicewoman captures the tension of separation while offering the reassurance of homecoming: "Somebody's at home, / Someone's gone away. / I'm feeling very happy / When my someone comes to stay." The concept of an imaginary place is also introduced when readers see a young girl dreaming of riding a dinosaur. Textured digital art in warm, atmospheric colors reflects the change from day to dusk to night, and the characters' faces are always cheery.If the singsong text loses cadence on occasion, still it lulls, making this an altogether comforting package. (Picture book. 2-5)

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December 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 1-"Everybody's somewhere, /Where are you?/I'm right here, /I'm somebody, too." This attractive title has simple rhyming text and well-matched illustrations featuring a range of places people can be, even if they can't be seen. Easy and straightforward overall, it offers concepts beyond a preschooler's simple understanding. The depiction of a girl with her eyes closed, a thought bubble over her head, helps a child figure out the phrase "Each of us is somewhere, /If only in our head." A bit tougher, and one that may elicit questions, is the idea that "Somebody is nowhere!/How could that be?/Nowhere is somewhere/If you ask me." The playful images, with a diverse set of wide-eyed characters including a child in a wheelchair running a marathon, are what really draw in readers. Cheerful scenes show people indoors and outdoors, in the city and the countryside, and even in video calls. The combination of repetitive, easy words and constructive illustrations make it favorable for new readers as well. VERDICT An enjoyable, if somewhat cryptic read with a gentle rhythm and engaging illustrations, this book provides opportunities for thoughtful discussion.-Gaye Hinchliff, King County Library System, WA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
"Everybody's somewhere, / Where are you? / I'm right here, / I'm somebody, too." Rhymes with little regard for meter describe where people might be, in terms concrete ("Somebody is flying, / Someone's in a car") and abstract ("Nowhere is somewhere"). Cut-paper-like illustrations, showing an ethnically diverse cast of kids in a variety of settings, accompany this well-meaning but murky object-permanence lesson.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)