Little Lessons

Revealing timeless truths about human nature, proverbs’ vivid metaphorical language proves visual catnip for Chwast’s graphic design–driven compendium of 18 sayings, which range from cautionary to YOLO. “A leopard cannot change its spots,” declares a hand-lettered headline as the digitally colored pen-and-ink image shows a growling, green-eyed feline covered in a bright patchwork of shapes. Another spread takes readers to a polar landscape populated by walruses, bundled up ice-fishers—and a waltzing couple in full formal dress who seem indifferent to the ice cracking underneath their feet. The lesson? “If you walk on thin ice... you might as well dance.” The title deftly manages expectations around the grouping, which is less about big revelations and deep insights, and more about the pleasure of savoring “little lessons” pleasingly wrought. An afterword concludes. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)