Outdoors In: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner

A thoughtful contemplation of nature’s gifts
“Once we were part of outside and Outside was part of us.” so begins Outside In by Deborah Underwood, with illustrations by Cindy Derby.This lovely story offers readers a thoughtful contemplation of nature’s gifts. Outside In is an invitation to slow down and remember the many ways in which nature provides for us even when we’re too busy to notice.There’s a sweetly melancholy tone as the story begins in a time and place where we were a part of nature and nature was an intimate part of our daily lives shown by a child running in the woods. Then comes an acknowledgement of how that relationship has changed. Now, even though the child is outside, she’s in a car racing through a landscape that is unacknowledged.But nature’s not going to be ignored—there are reminders all around us—the flash of lightning through a window. There’s the magic of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. We hear it in the song of birds and the rattle of rain on the roof. We smell it in the sun-warmed earth and blossoming flowers. We taste it in the food born of sun and rain. Nature waits…and…if we are wise, we answer.Underwood’s lyrical language conveys the natural world in a style perfectly suited to young readers. Simple vocabulary and short sentences that sometimes stretch across the double-page spreads make this a book that emerging readers can access. And parents will enjoy reading this more than once to children eager to revisit this stunning work.Derby’s illustrations create a sense of beauty, mystery, and enchantment that beguile the eye and are a wonderful complement to the text.I can imagine Outside In finding a home in classrooms, libraries, and homeschool collections. It’s a wonderful introduction to a nature walk, a discussion of the many ways nature intersects with our lives, or a conversation starter.Highly recommended for home and school.

Gorgeous
Beautiful simple story. Beautiful illustrations. If you love nature and appreciate cats- this is a MUST have.

Very good for 4-6 yrs old
Nice use of language, appropriate and attractive illustrations, and something to think about when finished.Hits all boxes for us. No wonder it got an award.

Wonderful children’s book, great message!
I enjoyed this book as much as our grands! Love the outdoor message it sends. Great writing, emotionally compelling, and wonderful illustrations. Highly recommended!

This book was well liked in my classroom. A great story with a good moral undertone.

This book is a beautiful interplay between emotive language and compelling illustrations. It stirred up some deep seated emotions in me of my innate connection with the abundant nature around us.Inspite of our insulated, clean and sanitized houses – how Outside tries to reach out to us through its many innocent ways…. it sends the shadows inside, sneaky little bugs and spiders, tap taps on the roof, slow magic tricks of metamorphosis ….. Outside feeds us and covers us with clothes and holds us in wooden chairs.Oh! My heart melts for this! Grab this book and wander off in the wilderness for a bit