The Best Place in the World, written and illustrated by Petr Horacek. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2021. $22.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Still looking for the answer, Hare visited Owl. 

"Do you think our meadow is the best place in the 

world?" he asked her. Owl didn't answer. Instead she 
said, "You have asked us all this question. Why don't 
you explore the world and find out for yourself?"

Do animals wonder, as we do, if things are always better on the other side of the fence? It seems so for Hare. He loves his meadow, agreeing that it is grand.  His rabbit friends like it because it offers freedom and wide expanses for running and playing. Hare argues that there must be other places to do such things. As he moves across the meadow, he asks for an opinion from his other friends. Bear is pleased with the bees and their honey that he can happily share with Hare. Aren't bees everywhere? Birds love it because of the trees to sing in, and Duck loves swimming in the stream. No trees or streams anywhere else? 

Hare is not yet convinced. Finally, he seeks advice from Owl. When asked, she doesn't answer Hare's question. She suggests he take the time for some exploration and discovery. Hare does as Owl suggests. On his quest, he finds that there are many fine places with everything his friends love so much. 

"After traveling all over the world,
Hare came to the desert. He lay down
and looked at the stars above. He thought
about Owl and all the beautiful places he
had seen. He felt lonely. Suddenly he knew
the answer to his question."

Who wouldn't want to live in the luxurious meadow Petr Horacek creates using stunning mixed media? Every detail will attract the attention of the little ones who chance to see them. The animals will entice, and their reasoning might encourage listeners to discuss their own favorite places. Makes me long for summer sunshine, that meadow does.