📖 Overview
"if you want to see something really beautiful" is Julie Fogliano's illustrated collection of poems about discovery and observation. The spare, simple verses are paired with illustrations by Molly Idle that feature a child exploring the natural world.
The poems follow the narrator's encounters with various natural sights and phenomena across changing seasons. Each piece focuses on a specific moment or detail noticed during outdoor adventures and explorations.
The book speaks to themes of curiosity, mindfulness, and finding wonder in everyday moments. Through the child's perspective, it offers an invitation to slow down and notice the small marvels that exist all around us.
👀 Reviews
There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Julie Fogliano's overall work:
Readers consistently praise Fogliano's poetic language and ability to capture small moments that resonate with children. Parents and teachers note her books work well for read-alouds, with one Amazon reviewer calling "And Then It's Spring" perfect for "teaching patience and observation skills."
What readers like:
- Simple yet meaningful text that children understand
- Books that encourage mindfulness and nature appreciation
- Illustrations that complement the writing
- Effectiveness for classroom use and bedtime reading
What readers dislike:
- Some find the minimal punctuation and lowercase style confusing
- A few note the pacing can be too slow for energetic children
- Price point for relatively short books
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads averages:
- And Then It's Spring: 4.0/5 (4,800+ ratings)
- If You Want to See a Whale: 4.1/5 (3,200+ ratings)
- When Green Becomes Tomatoes: 4.3/5 (1,900+ ratings)
Amazon averages: 4.5-4.8/5 stars across titles
Barnes & Noble: Average 4.5/5 stars
📚 Similar books
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
A bus journey through the city transforms into a lesson about finding beauty in unexpected places.
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon Daily moments in nature and family life connect to create a tapestry of shared human experiences.
A House That Once Was by Julie Fogliano Two children explore an abandoned house and imagine the lives of its former inhabitants.
When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano Poems trace the subtle changes and observations throughout the seasons of a year.
A Different Pond by Bao Phi A father and son's early morning fishing trip reveals layers of family history and immigrant experience.
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon Daily moments in nature and family life connect to create a tapestry of shared human experiences.
A House That Once Was by Julie Fogliano Two children explore an abandoned house and imagine the lives of its former inhabitants.
When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano Poems trace the subtle changes and observations throughout the seasons of a year.
A Different Pond by Bao Phi A father and son's early morning fishing trip reveals layers of family history and immigrant experience.
🤔 Interesting facts
⭐ Julie Fogliano has written over a dozen beloved children's books, including the award-winning "And Then It's Spring" and "When Green Becomes Tomatoes"
🌟 Her writing style often features lyrical, poetic text that mimics the natural rhythms of children's speech and thoughts
📚 Many of her books explore themes of nature, seasons, and the small wonders of everyday life that captivate young children
🎨 She frequently collaborates with acclaimed illustrators like Erin E. Stead, Christian Robinson, and Lane Smith
🏆 Her work has earned multiple starred reviews and honors, including the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award