The Knowing Book

by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Matthew Cordell (Illustrator)

Inspiring and wise, this story begins and ends with the sky that is always above you. In between, a young rabbit travels through the wide world, experiencing joy and sorrow and all the wonder that the world has to offer. Along the way he chooses a path, explores the unknown, and ventures along trails on and off the map. And at the end of the journey, braver and more confident, he returns home, the place he can always count on and will always know. This beautiful celebration of life is the perfect gift to mark any milestone in a child’s life from birth to graduation.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Inspirational, Fiction, Poetry, Animals, Growth Mindset

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

Rebecca is a poet and picture book author of such titles as What is Science? (a 2006 Subaru SB&F prize finalist), and Lemonade Sun (an American Booksellers "Pick of the Lists"). Her work is featured widely in poetry anthologies and textbooks. Rebecca promotes children's poetry, giving presentations and workshops to students, teachers, librarians and writers. She lives in Indiana.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so profound and transcendent about this book yet I can't put my finger on what it is. The words feel like song lyrics even though they don't rhyme. There's just a rhythm and a depth to the words that goes beyond just a picture book for children. This is one of those books I will surely have to own.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely alternative to "Oh, the Places You'll Go"

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book as a useful tool for centering or grounding oneself during anxiety or a panic attack. The gentle but forceful focus on small things would help disrupt the negative thought spiral and remind you of things that are true: like how the book starts and ends with the sky always being above you. I read it via ebook, which would be good form for it to always be available on your phone should you need it, but a physical copy might also be weighty and tactile enough to assist in the grounding as well.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...

What an all star team of author/illustrator! This celebration of life and our world will make the reader think about their priorities, choices, identity, and nature. It is definitely going to be a book that is given as a gift or a read aloud to inspire and celebrate.

[Franki Sibberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great gift book for lots of occasions!

Our author interview here
http://readingyear.blogspot.com/2016/...

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am listening to Jeff Anderson, author of Patterns of Power (and many other grammar books), as he reads this book aloud to 100 educators. The language in this book is unbelievable - so timeless. I am buying it right NOW!

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know. You know inside of you. Listen. Just listen. Then do. Just do.

[Carolanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and have purchased several copies as gifts for a variety of occasions! I gave one to a friend who was making some major changes in her life - changing careers, moving to another city. I gave one to a friend who teaches in another country. I recommend it to staff & neighbors as an alternative graduation gift to "Oh the places you'll go". I read it with my 6th grade classes during our last class of the year as they head off to middle school - the silence at the end of the reading is emotional and priceless.

A seemingly simple story that is powerfully deep and meaningful.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully written and illustrated picture book would be an interesting way to talk about theme as young readers try to consider the message that the author shares. This book invites readers to live life fully by experiencing the world around us and discovering simple joys. This is a lovely book to have on any library's shelves.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read a recommendation for this book as ideal for graduates, and I can see why. Some of the story could be a little confounding for children (I had to really think about a couple of the lines), but it is a great message. I think my favorite was,
"Know this:
there is magic around you but it hides.
You might find it nestled in a wand or a spell,
but more likely in a penny or a prayer."

[Jocelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I would have given it 5 stars but, the ending was a little weird. This book does explore the idea of imagination and it's power to transform one's life. It's a very positive and uplifting book.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated picture book for an older audience, advising living life to the fullest and appreciating and being open to the world. One of those picture books to give to graduates.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many picture books are offered as graduation gifts for any age. This book is now my favorite to recommend.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book for my baby goat and it was one of the few books she actually paid attention to. Very beautiful and a lovely flow of words.

[Michelle Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will make a fabulous gift book! The illustrations are beautiful!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry at my desk. So poignant and beautiful- I think this is a book all people of all ages need. This is the new "Oh The Places You'll Go."

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book follows an adventurous bunny who encourages the reader to stay out of their comfort zones. This book encompasses the vulnerability one should have to the world around them because following the path less taken may lead to so many possibilities.

The overall theme of this book is exploration and constant curiosity and how it can shape a perspective of the world for the better.

While reading this book, I found myself being joyful at the thought of a child being exposed to this book and the wonderment it might bring them. I think this book has such a great moral behind the story that a child should be aware of early on. Having a constant curiosity for the unknown and a childlike perspective on life is something growing children should cherish and hold onto. One of the key quotes stated, “Don’t be too shy to slosh in a puddle or fly a kite or too important to pick up the lost coin or the common shell. These small things are coveted by giants.” I believe this quote highlights the way that childlike curiosity can fade away as they grow up to become a “giant”.

I would recommend this book just because it conveys an important story of instilling an open-minded outlook on life. It is a great way to teach children how to be children. It is prudent that we remind children how to enjoy and make the most of their childhood as well as being proud of the world they live in.

[Carol Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Rebecca K. Dotlich’s books. This book struck a real chord with me. It is a beautiful book, reminding us to look at the world around us, and pay attention. Get out of our heads, and get out of our electronics and pay attention to the little things in life. This is meant to be a children’s book, but I feel like it’s great for adults. Children pay attention to bugs in the sky in trees and leaves and all that sort of stuff. It’s the adults who forget to do that. We need to get back to doing more of that.

[Dierdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspirational book that follows a rabbit through adventures in the world knowing that the sky and home are always a constant you will know. The illustrations are reminiscent of Quentin Blake and a bit too cluttered for my tastes, though I do enjoy Quentin Blake's illustrations. This book would be a nice gift book for a recent graduate, like Oh, The Places You Will Go. Not many young children will understand the meaning behind the words, though they are beautiful and lyrical.

[Izzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book when I finished my Bachelor's degree, before moving over 2,000 miles across the country to begin my Master's Degree. Over the span of my 2 years completing my Master's Degree, I continually turned to this book for reassurance and reminders that I was never alone, and always destined for something greater. To me, this book helped me through some of the toughest times I have ever endured.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too esoteric for young readers. Not sure who the intended audience is, but the concepts in this book are confusing and contradictory.

"Run often and fast, toward or away from something. Trust yourself to know which. And trust yourself to know when, by the chanting clocks that hang on walls of dreams. This is called wise and brave."

HUH??? What kid will get this? The tone is didactic as well. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go is way better with a similar concept.

[Sean Rowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a non-fiction message with fictional illustrations for k-3rd grade students. This book encourages the reader to trust their instincts and become the person they want to be while at the same time enjoying life along the way. Embrace the joy and the pain along the way and learn how to be who you want to be. The message is great in this book!

[Literary Lilith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving it a three. Mama says I'm being harsh because I'm too little to understand abstract concepts and appreciate the lovely poetic language, but I think maybe I just didn't like the pictures. The best part was looking at all the shapes in the clouds. I'll try this book again when I'm older.

[Viviane Elbee]

A lyrical poem explaining a bit about things to know in life. It seems very philosophical in its exploration of what life has to offer. (Note: Although very poetic, it doesn’t rhyme). It has some lovely imagery, like « the chanting clocks that hang on walls of dreams ».

I also love some of the illustrations, including the one about being open to magic.

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Would have been higher except for the dreadful typesetting and less than stellar illustrations (I gave those a 2).

"Carry a map as a guide,
but explore those trails not drawn on paper.
This is called curiosity and this is called adventure.
Keep them in your pocket."

"Run often and fast,
toward or away from something.
Trust yourself to know which."

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rabbit in this book is a bit of a guru telling you what to do and what you will find. He reassures you to look around you, explore, try new things, imagine, take time to do things. Look up. . . the sky . . . count on it, it is what you will always know. Very comforting and reassuring book.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about being open to the world around you and the knowledge nature gives you. Know that the sky and the stars are above you now and will always be there, and the road you take is yours to choose. Good things to know.

[Katrina Clohessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather beautiful story about letting yourself wonder & explore & learn to trust yourself, always knowing the stars are above you & that the paths you take will lead you back home. Sweet illustrations, very sentimental for parents. Reminiscent of "Oh the Places You'll Go."

[Theresa Espinoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content is okay but the layout is bad

I gave stars for.tye.contemt of the story but the layout for the Kindle version is terrible. If it wasn't on Kindle unlimited and I had actually purchased it I would be mad at the missing words and squished together text.

[Brooks Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my 2nd graders at the end of the school year to leave them with some words of wisdom through a well-crafted and beautifully illustrated picture book. If you're looking for story with a similar message as Dr. Seuss's "Oh the Places You'll Go", this is a wonderful option.