In Between

March 15, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 Using succinct, poetic text and her signature close-up nature photography, Sayre explores awkward transitional moments experienced by all animals. "Every creature on Earth at times finds itself in between. / In between boulders, in between branches. In between blueberry rows. / In between inside and outside, / day and night." The crisp, full-color photographs are particularly appropriate to the lyrical text: baby birds nestle snugly between barn rafters, a raccoon clings to trees growing side by side, turkeys stroll between blueberry bushes. Perhaps most impressive are the shots that depict motion and change: a tiny chickadee grasps a leafless winter branch and finally lets go, taking flight; a recently molted dragonfly pauses to dry; and a pink spoonbill launches and glides away. Unspoken throughout is the idea that while changing states may feel uncertain, it allows for endings and new beginnings. More contemplative than scientific in tone (the animals are not identified), this perceptive and reassuring offering will be welcomed by in-betweeners and the late Sayre's many fans.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2023
With a poetic text and sharp, uncluttered photographs, the Sayres examine transitions in the natural world -- transitions from physical spaces as well as those between states of being. The initial double-page spread sets the stage: "Every creature / on earth / at times / finds / itself / in / between." A stark white background encourages scrutiny of the accompanying photograph of three chicks, "in between" birth and maturity, lined up in a nest located inside the V of two intersecting rafters. Other spreads, composed of two, three, or four images, create similar tableaux with layers of meaning; text placement expands the viewing experience. The authors gradually introduce synonyms; readers see a pair of birds with eyes just about closed, "almost asleep, / but not yet"; and see a duckling flapping its wings, as "in the meanwhiles" it grows stronger. Ideal for a group read-aloud, this book encourages discussion of personal "in betweens." Betty Carter

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

May 26, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-In this eye-catching volume, Sayre captures elusive moments of transition in the natural world. Her vivid images and spare prose explore multiple interpretations of what it means to be "in-between" through scenes like a whale mid-leap, a reptile half-hidden among rocks, a tadpole that hasn't quite developed into a frog, and growing baby animals that are still dependent on their mothers. Vibrant photographs showcase a variety of creatures in diverse habitats, catching striking moments of action as well as quiet glimpses of cozy comfort. Images range from crisp close-ups that create a sense of intimacy to wider views that showcase the animals' environments. Easy-to-read text is laid out playfully, with font size and style emulating the animals' actions. The book appeals to a range of ages, inviting preschool or early elementary readers to discuss the abstract concept of being in-between, while babies and toddlers may simply delight in the animals and their activities. VERDICT A welcome choice for picture book collections, especially where nature and animal books are in high demand.-Allison Tran

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 19, 2023
Striking wildlife photography pairs with poetic lines in this ode to fleeting in-betweenness. From a robin landing to a hare mid-jump to chipmunks playfully wrestling, full-bleed photos by the late Pulley Sayre focus sharply on their subjects—amphibian, avian, insect, and mammalian alike—as they fly, splash, hide, and more while enduring the often uncomfortable experience of “almost.” Embracing alliteration and rhyme, narration gestures toward the universal as it meaningfully labels critters “in between/ holding tight// and letting go.” In an underwater shot, a juvenile frog lingers just below the surface: “Nice new knees,/ but still not leaping.” As examples build, patience and persistence are emphasized as necessary aspects of growth and change—experiences that the text reassuringly suggests unite all living things. Gesturing toward kinship with nature, the creative team supportively captures complicated feelings of being on the cusp. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from January 1, 2023
A celebration of transitions in the animal world. The late April Pulley Sayre documents the in-between moments of animal lives in this posthumously published poem and photo album co-authored by her husband, Jeff. In words and pictures, they demonstrate preparations, waiting, anticipation, even some trepidation--animal experiences that their human readers will surely share. Ground squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons peek out from hiding places. There are takeoffs, flights, and landings featuring a chickadee, a robin, a blue jay, a red-tailed hawk, a wood stork, flamingos, and a whale leaping from the water. Some images show animals in families: robins in a nest, squirrels, Canada geese, two groundhogs. Many depict young animals, not quite prepared to go out in the world, "awkward," "unsteady," "almost ready." A green darner dragonfly still perched on its previous nymph form--"body transformed, / but not yet gliding." The close-up images are crisp and clear, the word choice is precise, and the poem flows smoothly--April Pulley Sayre has a well-deserved reputation for combining visuals and text to encourage a child's awe at the natural world, and this exemplary work is a shining example. The animals are not identified, but most will be familiar to young American readers.(This book was reviewed digitally.) Wondrous and wonderful, for reading and thinking and sharing. (Picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2023
With a poetic text and sharp, uncluttered photographs, the Sayres examine transitions in the natural world -- transitions from physical spaces as well as those between states of being. The initial double-page spread sets the stage: "Every creature / on earth / at times / finds / itself / in / between." A stark white background encourages scrutiny of the accompanying photograph of three chicks, "in between" birth and maturity, lined up in a nest located inside the V of two intersecting rafters. Other spreads, composed of two, three, or four images, create similar tableaux with layers of meaning; text placement expands the viewing experience. The authors gradually introduce synonyms; readers see a pair of birds with eyes just about closed, "almost asleep, / but not yet"; and see a duckling flapping its wings, as "in the meanwhiles" it grows stronger. Ideal for a group read-aloud, this book encourages discussion of personal "in betweens."

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)