Big and Small and In-Between

In a conceptual work of categorization, Higgins (Circle Under Berry) writes short, fanciful, often funny observations, sorted into the divisions of the title: big (“the DONUT/ that your brother got/ because you picked last/ and only got the hole”), in-between (“what you are/ on your HALF BIRTHDAY/ not even or odd”), and small (“the MOUSE’S TEA PARTY”). Ruth Krauss’s A Hole Is to Dig gets a quiet nod in three spreads that show a child digging on a beach: their work is first a big thing (“the HOLE when you are done”), then an in-between thing, and at last a small thing (“the HOLE when you start to dig”). Art by Miyares (Hope at Sea), often shadowed in pencil gray, creates a quiet, reflective feeling, foregrounding objects as well as children of various skin tones. Each section heading features a piece of paper engineering—each an elegant, interactive creation—and the book ends with a dramatic gatefold. These and the book’s luxurious length make it an abstract journey with many turns and surprises. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. Illustrator’s agent: April Prince, Studio Goodwin Sturges. (Apr.)