Everyone Starts Small

Starting with a cross-section of a young plant, this eco-tale of change and renewal articulates a vision of cyclical natural harmony. Early lines build on the title, spotlighting the universal (“Everyone starts small/ and then grows./ Sun grows beams”), while pages center a maturing tree experiencing drought, fire, and rain-ignited dormancy before cycling back to growth. Though the focus is on ecological processes, expressive dialogue and description personify elements including rain and wind (“I’m tired, whispers Fire”). Ramsey’s curving digital renderings emphasize flow: green hills undulate with gently bent grass blades, and thick-drawn cloud curlicues sweep across skies. Aside from some surprisingly googly-eyed ants, scenes primarily feature vegetation, soil, and weather. Meanwhile, Scanlon’s prose provides depth for a compelling portrait of ecosystem interconnection. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)