School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 2--It seems like Tisha always needs to hurry. She's got to hurry up to catch the school bus, hurry up and finish her book so she can get to assembly, and hurry from recess to get to lunch. It's exhausting and too much. Exasperated, she asks her mother if they can slow down, and thus begins a winding walk home, full of observations, games, and relaxed cuddles on a park bench while watching the birds. The sensory tour continues once they get home and Tisha's father joins them for a picnic under the blossoming trees. They savor every bite ("crunch[ing] the cucumbers" and "chew[ing] the cheese") and every moment. Meddour uses gentle dialogue and winsome description to dial the story, and its early frantic pages, back down into a soothing tone and cadence where this tranquil family interaction can bloom. Egnéus's illustrations are lush, and include a variety of perspectives and points of view, including a delicious scene of Tisha nose-to-nose with a ladybug. Combine that with eye-popping spreads festooned with blossoming trees that evoke all the meandering wonder and play this little protagonist desires, and his work here is downright honor worthy. The father appears white, with brown hair, while Tisha and her mother present as Asian. VERDICT In a world full of hurry up, this title encourages children and their adults to slow down and catch the blossoms. Recommended for public and school libraries.--Jennifer Noonan