Would you come too? by Liz Garton Scanlon illustrated by Diana Sudyka

 

I guess this book is meant to be a reaction to our dependence on devices - to encourage children and the adults in their lives to switch off and head outside but for me this is also a book that could use used as a wonderful writing stimulus. 

Every page has the words "If we were ... "

If we were walls ...
If we were a pond ...
If we were tadpoles ...
If we were a nest ...
If we were seeds ...

This book will also encourage you to head outside and hopefully be more observant of the natural environment. 

The strength of this book to my eye, though, comes from the illustrations. The style reminds me of Julia Sarda and Felicita Sala. See inside books illustrated by Diana Sudyka here. You might like to follow her on Instagram. Her book Sometimes Rain has a Kirkus Star review. In this interview Diana Sudyka talks to Betsy Bird (they both live in Chicago). 

A lyrical meditation on the magic of outdoor play that’s creditable for its back-to-nature message. Kirkus

This whimsical and poignant picture book celebrates playing outside and invites readers to grab some friends, gear up their imaginations, and immerse themselves in nature. A Book and a Hug

Here are other books by Liz Garton Scanlon

Read more about Kate, the girl who tamed the Wind