Outside, You Notice

Picture book ages 4–7 | 32 Pages | 978-1-77278-193-9 HC | 978-1-77278-278-3 PB

★ “The detailed text and varied images immerse readers in the feeling of being outside, fully attentive and relaxed….The illustrations use soft coloring, varied perspectives, and active characters to great effect, pulling observers into the worlds of plants, animals, and the people who love them. This lovely book is more than the sum of its parts.”—Kirkus ★ Starred Review

Outside, You Notice is published by Pajama Press.

Outside,
you notice things.

Time spent in the outdoors stirs a child’s imagination. Nature sparks wonder, wonder leads to curiosity, and curiosity brings about a greater knowledge of the world and one’s self. In Outside, You Notice, a meditative thread of child-like observations (How after the rain / Everything smells greener) is paired with facts about the habits and habitats of animals, insects, birds, and plants (A tree’s roots reach as wide as its branches).

Author Erin Alladin invites young scientists and daydreamers to look closely and think deeply in this lyrical nonfiction text, celebrating all the kinds of “outside” that are available to children, from backyards to city parks to cracks in the sidewalk. Illustrator Andrea Blinick portrays these spaces bursting with small wonders with a child’s-eye view, her naïve and nostalgic style capturing the joy of endless discovery.

More Praise for Outside, You Notice

“As this blend of fiction and nonfiction emphasizes observation, it also leads up to a mindfulness of being present when outside….A charming, gentle nudge to go outside and simply be.”—Booklist

“Blinick’s illustrations offer a sense of excitement and serenity, showing cheerful children with light and dark skin tones and different physical abilities….This exploration of the outdoors is fit to use for budding biologists.”—School Library Journal

“We rated this book: [4.5/5]…This is a thoughtful, reflective story about the healing power of spending time outdoors….This light-hearted, relatable, and timely text will bring youth new enlightenments each time they sift through its pages.”—Seattle Book Review

“Readers of Outside, You Notice are left with wonder and appreciation for the things that surround them. The result is a warm, joyful and inviting environment that awaits us all. If anyone ever doubted the benefits of spending quality time outdoors, this lovely book will dispel that notion….Highly Recommended.”—Canadian Review of Materials

“Rating: 4.5…This is a lovely book about the joy of discovering nature in the outdoors….Friendly-feeling gouache, pencil and chalk art with collage shows a warm, accessible natural world to investigate….I like that readers can just read the main text for the youngest listeners, and can add the informational details for older listeners.”—Youth Services Book Review