I See and See (I Like to Read)

PreS-Gr 1--In this new entry in the "I Like to Read" series, a young boy looks closely at the world around him. A double-page close-up, accompanied by a simple sentence in large type, depicts each object the child sees. A huge side-view image of a bulldog fills the opening spread along with the sentence "I see a dog." Large illustrations of different kinds of trucks and flowers, a man working in the trees, a bird, and even a carousel follow. Each time, the words I see appear. On the copyright pages preceding the text, the boy emerges from three pencil sketches into full Technicolor, as if to illustrate that really seeing brings in the world in a whole new way. Lewin's exquisite impressionistic illustrations, done in pencil, liquid mask, and his signature watercolors, revealing every doggy drool and claw, tire tread and truck part, flower petal, bird feather, and details on a butterfly's wings invite just such close scrutiny. Simple repetitive text and large detailed pictures make this a perfect choice for the very youngest readers and may encourage them to take artistic inspiration from the world they see as the young narrator does. Adults can extend the experience by helping little ones name the kinds of trucks, dog, bird, type of tools, etc. VERDICT For more close observation enjoyment, pair this beautiful offering with Lewin's Look! (Holiday House, 2014).--Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT