What’s New, Daniel?

Description

Caldecott Honor winner Micha Archer’s gloriously detailed collages invite readers into Daniel’s blossoming world, encouraging them to appreciate all the wonderful new things in their own lives, big and small.

“What’s new?” We casually say this to each other all the time, but when Daniel’s grandpa asks him this question, Daniel’s curiosity is sparked and he’s determined to really find out! And there is so much new stuff to report on, since their local park is brimming with spring life. Birds have reappeared from their winter journeys, ducklings are hatching, and polliwogs are growing long legs—just like Daniel!* “Daniel is an inquisitive tyke, and when Grandpa asks him what’s new, the investigation is on. Daniel searches all over a lush park nestled at the center of the city. Stunning illustrations rendered in acrylic ink and patterned paper collage depict a bright and richly textured world as the child climbs his favorite rock beneath the warm sun and hears the whistling of redwing blackbirds flying by. . . . Snake, Squirrel, and Butterfly also add to the chorus of voices offering Daniel lively updates on what’s changing in the world around him. By the end, he’s more than prepared to answer Grandpa’s original question with details of the flora and fauna; he also tells Grandpa how his own recently discovered whistling ability, new tooth, and growing legs fit into the bigger picture of the natural world. . . . Featuring appealing, child-centered text and lush visuals, this tale will surely lead readers to more adventurous investigations of their own. . . . A beautiful invitation to spring for the curious nature lover.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “The spare text has pleasing repetition, infectious energy, and a poetic, circular rhythm. . . . Caldecott Honor–winning author-illustrator Archer’s signature stunning collages, created with layered tissue paper and handmade stamps, are a glorious kaleidoscope of prismatic colors, textured patterns, and fresh perspectives. After taking the time to notice and appreciate the wonders of nature all around him, Daniel recounts his discoveries to his Grandpa. This exquisite, evergreen picture book is a natural conversation starter.” —Booklist, starred review

“Daniel is back in another open-hearted, child-friendly picture book. . . . Archer’s expertly composed double-page-spread illustrations . . . portray a world bursting with life and vivid color. . . . From the spectacular illustrations to the warm relationship between Daniel and Grandpa to Daniel’s curiosity about the natural world, there’s much to savor here; and the question of ‘what’s new?’ may elicit a wealth of reader response and interaction.” —The Horn BookMicha Archer (michaarcher.com) wrote and illustrated the Caldecott Honor winner Wonder Walkers, as well as the Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Daniel Finds a Poem and its companion, Daniel’s Good Day, and has also illustrated several other picture books, including Girl Running (by Annette Bay Pimentel). Micha works in oil and collage on paper she creates with homemade stamps and layered tissue paper. She comes from a long line of artists and teachers and taught for many years in a kindergarten. Micha lives in west­ern Massachusetts in the house she and her husband built, surrounded by gardens and forests to roam in.CN

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