ARE WE THERE YET?

A bear and a butterfly embark on a transformational journey.

In A Million Dots (2019), German graphic designer Völker explored exponential growth. Here, he presents visual and verbal contrasts for viewers to ponder. Bear is an immense, solid black form, whereas Butterfly is a slight, airy creature with green, blue, and yellow gossamer wings. Butterfly invites Bear to accompany her on a trip. Bear is initially attuned to practical matters—food, rest, and destination. The philosophical, Yoda-esque insect explains, “The journey itself is the reward.” Compositions incorporate a pleasing balance of flat colors and stylized images (trees shaped like pyramids, falling leaves as ovals) and textured objects (a tan cave speckled with black dots). As the conversation continues, Bear finds a rhythm as he climbs the mountain, enjoys the magnificent view, and summons the courage to swim across a rushing river. Butterfly’s patience and encouragement and Bear’s playfulness contribute much to the expedition’s quality, their mutual vulnerability allowing them to connect and care for one another. One enjoyable spread depicts Bear snacking on berries while Butterfly sips nectar from some flowers. She remarks, “And then you’ll poo out the seeds and more flowers will grow. We’re part of a great big circle.” Observant children will notice the rounded sun behind them, the moon on the next page, and their return to their point of origin. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A sensitive script, touches of humor, and a captivating design combine for an excursion readers will want to repeat.