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Friday, March 3, 2023

In the Palm of My Hand, written by Jennifer Raudenbush and illustrated by Isabella Conti. RP Kids, Hachette. 2023. $22.99 ages 4 and up

 


"And within that forest 
towers an oak tree, tall and grand. 

A caterpillar climbs its trunk. 

In the palm of my hand, 
I hold the caterpillar, fuzzy and plump.
"

This is quite the look at the world we inhabit. Every single thing mentioned connects to something else, starting with the acorn the young narrator holds in his hand. He mentions that it grows within a forest on a tall oak tree. That oak trees supports a caterpillar that he can hold in the palm of his hand, too. When the caterpillar becomes a butterfly, he will follow it to see where it leads. 

When he later catches a raindrop that falls from a heavy, dark sky, he imagines what its journey has been. At the oceanside, a grain of sand has him thinking of castles to be built. What adventures will arise from the kingdom he constructs! Every step forward seems simple, yet it encompasses so much more.  

"In the palm of my hand, 
I hold another hand, gentle and warm. 

It gives a squeeze that hugs my heart."

There is such beauty in our world. Isn't it wonderful to have a chance to explore it? 

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