The Blanket Where Violet Sits

A “The House That Jack Built” narrative structure gives a night of stargazing galactic dimensions in this expansive picture book. As the sun sets, a child cuddles on a blanket with two affectionate caregivers, all of whom are portrayed with brown skin. “This is the blanket where Violet sits,/ eating a sandwich, an apple, and chips,” the rhythmic verse opens, before opening outward to encompass the city, planet, sun, solar system, galaxies, and “the known universe, past comprehension,/ billions of light-years in every direction.” Befitting Wolf’s pleasing cumulative prose, Tobia’s pencil and digital renderings offer varied perspectives, from close-ups of the trio—clad in headlamps as they position a telescope and point at the sky—to macro views of outer space, an arrow indicating Violet’s position. Circling to a conclusion, the creators jointly emphasize the mystery and majesty of the universe, encouraging wondrous space-filled bedtime musing. Ages 3–7. (Aug.)