The World Is Waiting For You (Barbara Kerley Photo Inspirations)
Children need encouragement to follow their dreams, and this attractive book is aimed at all the future explorers out there. It begins, Right outside your window there’s a world to explore. Ready? The text continues by asking readers to follow the next bend in the path, dive in, dig deeper, take a leap. The two-page color photo spreads are surprisingly literal, even for this age group. An archaeologist digs, while an astronaut explores outside his space craft. But on occasion, the pictures are confusing. A boy getting a little nosy looks through a hole, but at what is not certain. Still, Kerley’s encouraging message about moving beyond one’s comfort zone and into areas where real-life magic can happen does inspire. The book closes with a quote by one of the book’s photographers, Anad Varma, that will have meaning for children: The greatest discoveries come from confronting your fears, taking a chance, and not being afraid to make a mistake. Mistakes are often the best lessons in life. Grades K-2. --Ilene Cooper