Outside, Inside

About the Author LeUyen Pham worked in animation before turning to children’s books. She wrote and illustrated Big Sister, Little Sister and The Bear Who Wasn't There, and is the illustrator of numerous other picture books. Ms. Pham lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband. Product Description From Caldecott honoree LeUyen Pham, Outside, Inside is a moving picture book that captures the unforgettable moment during the pandemic when people all over the world came together. It celebrates the essential workers, frontline workers, and communities that worked with each other to protect our loved ones. Something strange happened on an unremarkable day just before the season changed. Everybody who was outside . . . . . . went inside. Outside, it was quieter, wilder, and different. Inside, we laughed, we cried, and we grew. We remembered to protect the ones we love and love the ones who protect us. While the world changed outside, we became stronger on the inside and believed that someday soon spring would come again. A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of 2021 Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids List of 2021 A Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of 2021 A 2022 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts List From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—With sympathy and symmetry, Pham recreates the world pre-pandemic in digital illustrations that have the flow and dynamism of watercolors. She imagines a world where people from all walks of life enjoy being outside engaging in many activities until one day when it all comes to a halt—almost everyone goes inside. So begins this enlightening story of how a deadly pandemic forces everyone indoors. Image after vivid image shows people of many races and ethnicities going about their business and then the abruptly empty streets. Wildlife returns to the suburbs. Through the illustrated portrait-like scenes, people are shown in the hospital, facing job loss, death, upending of routines. Pham underscores the lives of essential workers and their dedication. She also touches on the Black Lives Matter protests during the summer of 2020, offering educators or parents a path for frank discussion about racial injustice. This hopeful work encourages readers to consider their own, ongoing paths through the pandemic, without ever denigrating or playing down the seriousness. VERDICT Poetic understatement and somber images capture the new normal in this essential purchase.—Annmarie Braithwaite, New York P.L. Review “This powerful ode to community delivers a timeless message of humility, perseverance, and hope.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review “Reflecting shared experiences and hopes, here’s a welcome picture book for our times.” ―Booklist, starred review “This optimistic book will help even very young children make sense of Covid-19.” ―Shelf Awareness, starred review “A testimony both to loss experienced and moments of unexpected good.” ―Publishers Weekly “Colorful, warm-hearted . . . [and] optimistic.” ―Horn Book “Poetic understatement and somber images capture the new normal in this essential purchase.” ―School Library Journal Selected praise for LeUyen Pham's work: “This authentic, important book will mean a great deal to many kids.” --School Library Journal, starred review, on the New York Times Bestseller Best Friends “The stylized, comical creatures belie the depth of the message that comes through for even the youngest of readers: We are all in this together, and our differences strengthen our unity.” --Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Caldecott Honor winner Bear Came Along “Wistful, affecting, and utterly charming.” --Booklist, starred review, on the New York Times Bestseller Real Friends “Seamlessly blends together a good story, lyrical language, and deft, supporting artwork.” --Booklist, starred review on Fallingwater “This sweet book can be enjoyed by children in a group setting or when shared one-on-one with someone special. ” --School