Slowly Slowly

“This tranquil picture book begins with a direct reminder to viewers: “When you slow down … / you see more.” … Simple lines and shapes and a muted color palette encourage viewers to slow down and take in the many small stories that unfold from one page to the next in Yuly’s soft chalk pastel and cut paper collage artwork… The use of perspective over the two-page spreads is highly effective … This gentle story invites readers to a quiet lapsit where adult and kiddo can trace each vignette through the book together.”

– ?The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This tranquil picture book begins with a direct reminder to viewers: “When you slow down … / you see more.” Few words accompany the many small stories that play out in the following pages, with seasons changing with each page turn. From a fixed view high in the branches of a persimmon tree, viewers observe the antics of a rosy-cheeked boy and the puppy at his heels, the changes of the natural world around them, and the construction of a house not far from their own. Once the house is complete, the boy climbs the tree to pick the persimmons and share them with the little girl whose family moved into the new house. Simple lines and shapes and a muted color palette encourage viewers to slow down and take in the many small stories that unfold from one page to the next in Yuly’s soft chalk pastel and cut paper collage artwork. A spider weaves its web, spring flowers bloom, leaves emerge on the branches, and a house is framed over the foundation as a bird builds its nest high above. The use of perspective over the two-page spreads is highly effective, showing an expansive, serene overlook that flips in the final scene, with the persimmon tree appearing in full as the two children look out at it from a backyard tent. This gentle story invites readers to a quiet lapsit where adult and kiddo can trace each vignette through the book together. Read it aloud to a class or library group as a lead-in to a nature walk or solo observation, or pair it with The Snowy Day for a seasonal storytime. SS – The Bulletin * October 2023
“With a few carefully chosen words and images, Yuly fashions a delicate paean to nature and mindfulness. “When you slow down…/ you see more,” whisper the inviting first lines… The minimalist style and composition of the hazy, soft-textured art winningly reflect the book’s philosophy of stripped-down simplicity… An appealing purchase for all collections, with plenty of details to inspire conversation and reward multiple read-throughs.”

– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“The simplicity of this story results in its perfection. Repeated scenes of a branch of the persimmon tree, shown in different weather and at various times of day, will hold children’s interest during multiple rereads and help them learn about the seasons and other aspects of the natural world… The precise, limited narrative and its message that good things can take time to develop will lull readers into a sense of calm appreciation, making this an ideal story for bedtime. Delightful and soothing encouragement to slow down and enjoy life.”



– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Toni Yuly is the creator of many acclaimed picture books including Some Questions About Trees, The Whole Wide World and Me, and Thank You, Bees. She studied painting at the University of Washington, where she worked with the great American painter Jacob Lawrence. Toni also worked for many years as a librarian with the King County Library System. She now lives in Bremerton, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington.

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