Publisher's Weekly Review
Lampert wrote the libretto for Wynton Marsalis's 2004 Suite for Human Nature, an allegory about how love tames aggressive emotions. In this adaptation, Puybaret's (Alice in Wonderland) gauzy and graceful paintings on linen create an ethereal ambience; a fairylike Mother Nature with umber skin and a flowing aqua gown with petal accents sustains the weather, flora, and fauna. Mother Nature tends the Earth and cares especially for humans, but she also yearns for children of her own. One by one, she crafts little troublemakers named Fear, Hate, Envy, Greed, and Fickle. The gender dynamics are questionable, since all are boys except flirty Fickle. While Mother Nature governs the seasons, "waking up bulbs" in spring and "ripen[ing] the fields" in summer, she leaves humans in charge of her children and returns to an ever-more-volatile populace. At last, after consulting with the four winds, the anxious Mother Nature creates girl twins who model patient Love. Reminiscent of the story of Pandora's box and other creation tales, this gently told allegory avoids its violent implications and favors optimistic resolutions. All ages. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A gentle parable of how Mother Nature introduced human foibles and strengths to the world. Based on a 2004 musical composition by renowned lyricist Lampert and jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, this glimpse into humankind is both fragile and deep. Puybaret's acrylic illustrations on linen set a dreamlike mood. Mother Nature, draped in gossamer blossoms and reaching root tendrils, watches over all that grows and walks the Earth. She must also change the seasonsturning "noses red and cheeks rosy" during winter and being sure to shake "the sand from dreams" and "honey-up the bees" when the time is right. But for all her responsibilities, Mother Nature is lonely. She longs for children of her own. So she makes her first child, Fear (a name that is pleasant because it rhymes with "dear"). But when she looks to humankind to care for Fear while she is busy spinning the seasons, she sees cowardice has spread. To restore balance, she creates other children: Envy, Hate, Greed, and Fickle; each one no better than the last. Luckily, through wise council with the winds, she finally creates two tiny twins, both named Love. Though the prose has exquisite touches, some delicate moments seem buried in excess. However, Puybaret's metaphorical illustrations are a good match, depicting a multicultural cast of humans aping the actions of Mother Nature's ill-conceived children amid stylized backdrops. It is an earned triumph when Love prevails. (Picture book. 5-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
The talents of songwriter Lampert and illustrator Puybaret combine in this attractive adaptation of a folktale originally penned as a jazz composition. It is a layered and sophisticated allegory about the creation of love and human nature. Despite having to care for every living thing in the world, Mother Nature creates children of her own: Fear, Envy, Hate, Greed, and Fickle. When the demands of changing seasons call her away, she leaves her troublesome brood with her most beloved creatures: humans. She returns to find that these hapless beings have absorbed the distinct characteristics of each of her children into their own nature. As the humans grow a-tizzy with complicated feelings, Love Mother Nature's youngest offspring arrives, bringing balance to the world. The length and rather elevated meaning of the story may not hold the attention of young picture-book readers, but early grade-schoolers should appreciate the tale. Readers of any age, however, will be drawn to the whimsical beauty of Puybaret's acrylic-on-linen illustrations.--Chaudhri, Amina Copyright 2016 Booklist
