Our Nest

by Reeve Lindbergh, Jill McElmurry (Illustrator)

With soothing language and enchanting illustrations, this gentle picture book leads children from the warm nest of their bed to the ever-expanding embrace of the world around them.

Snuggled in bed,
You’re all safe and warm,
Like a bird in a nest in a tree.

A child tucked in bed, a doe curled in the grass, a boat anchored in the harbor — everything has a nest. Even the ocean needs the earth to be its nest, while beyond, the universe holds the stars. In this tender poem, Reeve Lindbergh and Jill McElmurry use an ever-widening focus to show children the vast world beyond their beds, and all the love and comfort to be found there.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 2004

About the author

Children's author, novelist, and poet Reeve Lindbergh is the daughter of world-renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh and his wife, the talented writer Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this delightful children's book, drop everything except your child, race to the store and get your very own copy RIGHT NOW! Usually I would recommend your local library, which is where we found the copy for the first time, but I know you will need one of your own. Trust me.

The text gently and thoughtfully "nests" each creature and landscape within the bigger picture of a global community, at the same time describing how each family completes their night-time routine. The pictures are beautiful and somehow both old-fashioned and contemporary at the same time. Don't ask me how, they just are.

This book is just perfect for anyone who appreciates a good nest.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great rhyming book characterizing the earth as a nest. The story starts small with animals, moving to rivers, oceans, the earth and universe. The story begins and ends with parent and child. Wonderful nest shaped illustrations. Sure to captivate a young audience.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit I chose the book because the illustrations are by Little Blue Truck illustrator Jill McElmurry. I was not disappointed. I also loved the calm, soothing tone to the story to tuck little ones into bed. A winner!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a beautiful book. the illustrations are breathtaking and the story comforting. this is a keepsake in my opinion.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our Nest gently reminds us that all things in nature have a place to rest, to unwind, to slumber. A comforting story for bedtime.

Used for "Sky and Stars" Storytime: October, 2011.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful piece of poetry, wonderfully illustrated. It comes off like a lullaby, but its more than that. This is a really nice piece of writing.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great bedtime story that identifies actual nests of animals and theoretical nests of earth water and space with a touching ending. Best for lapsits.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet bed time story.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the idea and concept of this story, but felt it didn't quite get the job done. Really enjoyed the illustrations and colors. Maybe the rhyming just didn't flow quite as expected...?

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the kids favorites and definitely mine. I even have it memorized. Such a great message, and what's weird is the book itself smells fantastic to me. (I know, I'm crazy.)

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this one while browsing the shelves at work looking for other things. Beautiful illustrations! I'd love to incorporate it into a program soon.

[Trisan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect bedtime story. Really enjoyed!

[JaimeMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful. for the last 7 years I've been reading it to my girls.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not particularly innovative, but a sweet and cozy little bedtime story with a holistic and earth-centered sensibility.

[The Book Maven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle, lyrical poetry depicts all sorts of living creatures nesting for the night, starting with a child in his bed, and then getting bigger (the animals around the farm, the farm itself, the city the farm is near, the harbor near the city, the ocean, space) in lovely illustrations. Young ones will be soothed to sleep by this lovely book.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful warm & cozy read this was!

Everyone needs a nest of their own. My nest is the loveseat. My books and magazines are there, with a spot to put my empty mug when the tea or coffee is gone. The light pours in the big front window, over my right shoulder, and it's perfect for reading or crafting.

It's my favorite spot in the house, and it's truly my happy place.

[Jessica Olive · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our favorite books to snuggle up and read!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this peaceful, inclusive, connected book about places of rest.

[SKP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful picture book. Lovely illustrations and poetic text. Great potential as a bedtime story.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely bedtime book that expands out from the boy in bed as far as the stars and back, nice rhythm to the text and lush illustrations.