December 1, 2018
An ebullient tribute to geographic and cultural diversity on this planet.Bouncy rhyming text takes readers on a whirlwind journey around the globe, always ending with the unifying, titular refrain: "The sun shines everywhere." Children play and interact in Japan, the United States, India, and more, all basking in warmth and sunshine. White, brown, and black faces appear throughout, including a multiracial family (although they all seem to have rather similar facial features). Lively illustrations feature various religious garments such as a Sikh turban and a Pakistani topi. A similarly global approach to biodiversity depicts cold-weather animals in Antarctica, nocturnal and subterranean animals in the Americas, dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, and more. The text even broadly references a few key historical periods, featuring the Egyptian pyramids, classical Greek philosophers, a medieval castle, and Copernicus. Some depictions make this a less-than-ideal text for STEM learning: Landforms on a freely drawn globe are more suggestions than anything else; puffins are not found in Antarctica. Nevertheless, bright, digitally produced illustrations feature eye-catching, immersive spreads full of children at play amid vivid flowers, a variety of architectural styles, and lots of tiny details that encourage readers to look closer.A celebration of unity through variety that's just right for these divided times. (Picture book. 4-8)
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February 1, 2019
PreS-Gr 2-An ode to sunlight told in rhyming verse. This work celebrates the magic of the sun and the diversity of humanity. From Delhi to Delaware, Cuba to Capri, and everywhere in between, sunlight touches everyone and everything in nature. It marks the change from night to day. It helps flowers and vegetation grow and brightens our mood on a gloomy day. Readers of all ages will delight in the accessible text, joyous illustrations, and vibrant colors that honor the interconnectedness of all living things. VERDICT A great read-aloud for any library collection, and a necessary reminder that we live in a shared world.-Maegen Rose, Rye Country Day School, NY
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 15, 2019
Preschool-G Peppy rhymes and bright, animated artwork showcase the sun as a ubiquitous link among everyone the world over, past and present (even dinosaurs!). Here, in colorful spreads and vignettes, the sun beams equally upon a diverse array of children in varying activities and settings, from Paris to Maine to Cuba. Even animals get in on the fun: From crocodiles along the Nile / To growling grizzly bear, / Each creature sees the sun because / The sun shines everywhere! Additional spreads touch on the sun's varying purposes (like helping flowers grow) and explain what happens when the sun's not visible ( It may shine on Earth's other side, / And that is why it's night ). While somewhat lengthy, Hoberman's lively stanzas keep the pace, building anticipation and inviting listener participation in the repeated refrain, the sun shines everywhere. Although occasional references might sail over the heads of younger kids (such as, In feast and famine, peace and war, / It's made its steady way ), this upbeat ode to the uplifting and unifying qualities of the sun is infectious.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)