All The World

by Liz Garton Scanlon

illustrations by Marla Frazee

Beach Lane Books, 2009, 40 pages

The best of summer holidays...family time, sun and sand, delicious fresh fruit and vegetables, fields and mountains...

If you have been blessed like I have, your memories of summer holiday trips are ones that you treasure, partly because of the amazing beauty and grandeur of nature, and partly because of the way our family enjoyed exploring new places together.

All The World captures this feeling. This book is a celebration of the world we can enjoy in two senses - the beauty of nature and also the enjoyment of fellowship with friends and family. The author highlights the way everyone responds with pleasure to the beauty and complexity of nature, and that sharing experiences in beautiful surroundings can help us appreciate each other as well.

The story is written in simple but descriptive rhyme, about a family enjoying a summer day. They go to the beach, a farmer's market, and shelter from a storm in a cozy restaurant.

The illustrations are beautiful ink and watercolor depictions of the scenery and of the different moods of summertime moments.

This would be a great book to share before or after a holiday or outing. It's aimed at preschoolers and young children, but their grownups will enjoy it too.