Kirkus Review

A child examines the joy of other people. Staring off into the distance, the young narrator informs us, "It wasn't until I was stuck in my room, all alone, forever and ever" that "I realized one breathtaking thing: PEOPLE ARE MY FAVORITE PLACES." (Why the child was so isolated is not explicitly stated, though it appears to be a reference to pandemic lockdown.) The child tells us, "I always thought I loved going to my grandparents' house," but it isn't their home that's so special--it's the "kind, loving humans who welcome me there." Yes, the child misses buildings, the ocean, and the mountains, but not as much as the "sweet, lovely people who were once there with me, holding my hand." Explorations of sensory details include the smell of a baby or the textures of people's hair. And the protagonist doesn't miss movies as much as hearing the laughter of fellow audience members. Expressing gratitude for technology and memories, the child hopes to "never forget" that it's being with "someone whom I love very dearly" that matters most. In the manga-esque illustrations, vivid colors roughly bleed together effectively as a doe-eyed child with body-length black hair, a light complexion, and round cherry cheeks watches snow falling, enjoys music, and has a sleepover. The result is a delightful tale that will help little ones cultivate gratitude. Quirky illustrations and charming narrative make for an endearing read. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.