Hi Everyone!
How have we gotten to Perfect Picture Book Friday again so soon? Where does the time go?!
I was hoping to post the winners of the Valentiny Contest today. I know who they are! But life continues to be a bit nuts and I haven’t had time to finish figuring out the Honorable Mentions or make any of the badges, so I thought it would be better to wait another day or two and hopefully get those done than skip them. But you guys can tell me. If you just want to know the winners and skip the rest I can put that together pretty quickly.
Meanwhile, the first day of spring is only 2 days away, so I have chosen one of my favorite books for today. It is so beautiful and so nature-oriented it makes me think of spring 😊

Title: Step Gently Out
Written By: Helen Frost
Photography By: Rick Lieder
Candlewick, March 2012, Fiction
Themes/Topics: nature, insects, taking time to look closely, poetry
Suitable For: ages 2-7
Opening: “Step gently out,/ be still, and watch a single blade of grass.“
Brief Synopsis: (From the Booklist starred review) “Nature’s miracles are often small and hard to capture, but in a syncopated harmony of text and image, Frost and Lieder manage to depict tiny moments as seen through a bugs-eye-view of the world… Moving from day to night, the poem makes for a soothing bedtime lullaby that includes a reminder to children about the book’s small creatures: “In song and dance / and stillness, / they share the world / with you.””
Links To Resources: the back of the book includes lots of information on all the insects pictured – a resource all in itself. In addition, here are some Insect Coloring Pages. Try taking some photographs of your own. Try writing a short poem about an insect. Story Time Resources: Step Gently Out
Why I Like This Book: I am always in favor of books that encourage kids to go outside and look closely at the real world around them, really observe it, think about it, be part of it. I’m not an insect lover per se :), but this book is amazingly beautiful. I cannot stress enough how absolutely exquisite the photography is. Such detail! Here’s another little sample:


It’s breathtaking, isn’t it? and I think kids and adults alike will thoroughly enjoy looking at it, especially in combination with the poetic text which is as gorgeous in its imagery as the photography is. This book is a feast for eyes and ears and hearts!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
Those photos are exquisite, Susanna. I especially love the caterpillar on the grass. The time it took to sit and wait for that moment is impressive. Thank you for sharing this book.
Beautiful illustrations.
I love contemplative books, especially about nature. The photos are breathtaking and calming. What a delightful bedtime read and listen to the crickets outside one’s window. Thanks you for sharing this gem!
Lovc Helen Frost. Ty for the rec. Catch up w/yourself first. We’ll be OK.
Step Gently Out is such a lovely invitation to explore the world outside your door. One of my inspirations…
What a lovely book! I’m going to write this one down as a mentor text for one of my WIPs. Thanks!
Perfect for the coming of spring! Thank you so much, Susanna. And the Valentiny stories were AMAZING!!!
I could certainly use a reading of this book today. The title alone is soothing!
Wow! Such lovely photos and text! Perfect for helping us all to slow down and become more aware of the small things around us.
How lovely. My daughter and I were talking about slowing down and paying attention to the little things while on a walk this evening, the timing is perfect. 😊I will have to look up this one. 💕
Also, in response to your question, as one who is thrilled any time I make the honorable mentions list, I can tell you I would still rather have you take some time for yourself right now. You must need rest. 💗