Slowly Slowly by Toni Yuly (review)

Reviewed by: Slowly Slowly by Toni Yuly Sarah Sahn Yuly, Toni Slowly Slowly; written and illus. by Toni Yuly. Atheneum, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781665917186 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781665917193 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-7 yrs "This tranquil picture book begins with a direct reminder to viewers: "When you slow down . . . / you see more." Few words accompany the many small stories that play out in the following pages, with seasons changing with each page turn. From a fixed view high in the branches of a persimmon tree, viewers observe the antics of a rosy-cheeked boy and the puppy at his heels, the changes of the natural world around them, and the construction of a house not far from their own. Once the house is complete, the boy climbs the tree to pick the persimmons and share them with the little girl whose family moved into the new house. Simple lines and shapes and a muted color palette encourage viewers to slow down and take in the many small stories that unfold from one page to the next in Yuly's soft chalk pastel and cut paper collage artwork. A spider weaves its web, spring flowers bloom, leaves emerge on the branches, and a house is framed over the foundation as a bird builds its nest high above. The use of perspective over the two-page spreads is highly effective, showing an expansive, serene overlook that flips in the final scene, with the persimmon tree appearing in full as the two children look out at it from a backyard tent. This gentle story invites readers to a quiet lapsit where adult and kiddo can trace each vignette through the book together. Read it aloud to a class or library group as a lead-in to a nature walk or solo observation, or pair it with The Snowy Day for a seasonal storytime. [End Page 81] Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois