BEGINNING

A picture-book exploration of endings and beginnings.

Thomas uses nature to explore the topic. “The end of a seed is the beginning of a flower. // The end of an egg / is the beginning of a chick. // The end of a caterpillar / is the beginning of a butterfly.” Thomas then moves on to more abstract ideas: “When a peach ends / a tree can begin.” A parent and a child bury a peach pit—the seed for a new tree. From here, the book branches out to the experiences of a child’s typical day. “When a sunrise ends pancakes begin! // A walk ends where the playground begins.” Throughout the day, the child is taken on outings; when the sun sets, that means it’s time to take a bath, don pajamas, and go to bed, with the promise of many tomorrows. “The end of today / is the beginning of tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.” Though taking on philosophical subject matter, this accessible, gracefully written tale uses tangible examples that will resonate with children. Castrillón’s elegant, expressionistic digital artwork extends each example, using cool purple hues to depict a lush, slightly surreal world. Characters are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A gentle, winsome reminder that an ending is just an opportunity for a new start.