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The Best Place in the World
Leaving his beloved meadow behind helps Hare discover what makes it such a special place in this captivating new book from acclaimed author-illustrator Petr Horácek.
Hare’s meadow is a beautiful place, but he can’t tell whether it’s the best place in the world. His friends all say it is. The rabbits love to run and play together in the fields, the birds love to sing to Hare from high up in the trees, and Bear loves the bees and the honey they share with everyone. But Hare still isn’t certain, so he sets off to explore the world and find out for himself. He discovers green fields, gushing rivers, and starlit deserts. His friends would surely love these places, too, but they’re all back in the meadow without him . . . which leads Hare to realize something important. In a gorgeously written and illustrated story, Petr Horácek masters a tender new tone and delivers a thoughtful meditation on what makes a home.
Hare’s meadow is a beautiful place, but he can’t tell whether it’s the best place in the world. His friends all say it is. The rabbits love to run and play together in the fields, the birds love to sing to Hare from high up in the trees, and Bear loves the bees and the honey they share with everyone. But Hare still isn’t certain, so he sets off to explore the world and find out for himself. He discovers green fields, gushing rivers, and starlit deserts. His friends would surely love these places, too, but they’re all back in the meadow without him . . . which leads Hare to realize something important. In a gorgeously written and illustrated story, Petr Horácek masters a tender new tone and delivers a thoughtful meditation on what makes a home.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
About the author
Petr Horáček
89 books72 followersPetr Horáček is the author-illustrator of Look Out, Suzy Goose and Silly Suzy Goose, as well as Run, Mouse, Run!; Bird, Fly High; A New House for Mouse; and Strawberries Are Red. He lives in England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 25, 2022
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover
Haas zat met zijn konijnenvrienden op de top van de heuvel. Ze keken naar hun weiland. Dat zag er prachtig uit. ‘Wat denken jullie… is dit de fijnste plek van de wereld?’ vroeg Haas. 'Natuurlijk!’ zeiden de konijnen. ‘Hier kunnen we rondrennen en tikkertje spelen.’ ‘Maar dat kunnen we toch overal?’ zei Haas.
De konijnen hoorden hem niet meer. Ze renden alweer weg. Ook Beer, Eend en de vogeltjes verzekeren Haas dat dit de fijnste plek van de wereld is. Maar hij twijfelt en gaat op reis om te kijken of er een betere plek te vinden is.
Hij komt op de mooiste plaatsen en trekt de hele wereld rond. Om uiteindelijk één ding te ontdekken: de fijnste plek van de wereld is waar je vrienden zijn. En natuurlijk waar je veilig en geborgen bent.
Jayden en Zhyvaya hebben van het verhaal genoten. Nu mag hij naar de dependance op het AZC Venlo.
Haas zat met zijn konijnenvrienden op de top van de heuvel. Ze keken naar hun weiland. Dat zag er prachtig uit. ‘Wat denken jullie… is dit de fijnste plek van de wereld?’ vroeg Haas. 'Natuurlijk!’ zeiden de konijnen. ‘Hier kunnen we rondrennen en tikkertje spelen.’ ‘Maar dat kunnen we toch overal?’ zei Haas.
De konijnen hoorden hem niet meer. Ze renden alweer weg. Ook Beer, Eend en de vogeltjes verzekeren Haas dat dit de fijnste plek van de wereld is. Maar hij twijfelt en gaat op reis om te kijken of er een betere plek te vinden is.
Hij komt op de mooiste plaatsen en trekt de hele wereld rond. Om uiteindelijk één ding te ontdekken: de fijnste plek van de wereld is waar je vrienden zijn. En natuurlijk waar je veilig en geborgen bent.
Jayden en Zhyvaya hebben van het verhaal genoten. Nu mag hij naar de dependance op het AZC Venlo.
December 28, 2020
A really lovely story that I think KS1 children would adore. A beautiful moral about home being the place where your loved ones are. Although, I did find myself slightly confused by the ending, I was expecting the book to go a different way. The rabbit goes around the world and see’s all these amazing places, I expected him to miss his friends and go back to them but I think more could have been done with the rabbit telling the story of his adventures and why they were important. Maybe he could have come back and encouraged his friends to come and see the world with him, or talk about how much he’s learnt as a result. I just think something was missing in this sense, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
May 14, 2021
Beautifully told, this sweet book has hare asking if they are living is the best place in the world. No one has a good answer.
Then it is suggested that hare go out into the world to find the best place in the world. So he begins his journey.
Parents and children alike will love this story of discovery and appreciation, of the joy of friendships.
A treasure.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Then it is suggested that hare go out into the world to find the best place in the world. So he begins his journey.
Parents and children alike will love this story of discovery and appreciation, of the joy of friendships.
A treasure.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
August 6, 2021
Where is best? What makes something the best?
Hare has asked an important question here. Sometimes you can only find the answer by exploring for yourself. Horáček's books are always so lovely and bring a deeper understanding.
Hare has asked an important question here. Sometimes you can only find the answer by exploring for yourself. Horáček's books are always so lovely and bring a deeper understanding.
March 16, 2020
Selailin kuvia, ihastelin tekniikkaa, värimaailmaa. Tarina ihan kiva, perus, mutta neljäs tähti ropsahtaa valtavirrasta poikkeavasta kuvitustekniikasta.
April 9, 2021
Lovely story and illustrations. Petr Horacek is one of my favorite author/illustrators and this did not disappoint!
November 13, 2023
Others tell Hare that the meadow where he lives is really special. But is it? How can he find out for sure?
AND WHY ARE COMPARISONS SO DIFFICULT, IN THIS STORY?
Because Hare lives in a fictional meadow, and neither he nor his friends are humans...
Because he owns no computer and sees no movies, no streaming entertainment...
Under those circumstances, how can any of the animals in this idyllic meadow -- how can they begin to develop a frame of reference? Hare must leave, see the world a bit, then return.
WHO THEN IS THE INTENDED AUDIENCE?
I wonder about that, Goodreaders.
For sure, this is a pretty tale, complete with pretty illustrations. (Both by Petr Horáček.)
Yet this storybook was published about three years ago, not a century ago.
At first, rating it, I felt puzzled. Historical incongruity aside, how many of today's children, at picture book age, entertain thoughtful existential angst. Incessantly comparing where they live to all other places in the world....
FINALLY IT STRUCK ME
My hunch is that adult readers are the intended audience. To them, existential angst is not beyond their experience. Moreover, many of you Goodreaders know what it's like, doing childcare for a toddler or preschooler.
How often can a caregiver wish to be Anywhere else but here. Doing this.
On that basis, sure. FIVE STARS for this escapist fable with the happy ending.
AND WHY ARE COMPARISONS SO DIFFICULT, IN THIS STORY?
Because Hare lives in a fictional meadow, and neither he nor his friends are humans...
Because he owns no computer and sees no movies, no streaming entertainment...
Under those circumstances, how can any of the animals in this idyllic meadow -- how can they begin to develop a frame of reference? Hare must leave, see the world a bit, then return.
WHO THEN IS THE INTENDED AUDIENCE?
I wonder about that, Goodreaders.
For sure, this is a pretty tale, complete with pretty illustrations. (Both by Petr Horáček.)
Yet this storybook was published about three years ago, not a century ago.
At first, rating it, I felt puzzled. Historical incongruity aside, how many of today's children, at picture book age, entertain thoughtful existential angst. Incessantly comparing where they live to all other places in the world....
FINALLY IT STRUCK ME
My hunch is that adult readers are the intended audience. To them, existential angst is not beyond their experience. Moreover, many of you Goodreaders know what it's like, doing childcare for a toddler or preschooler.
How often can a caregiver wish to be Anywhere else but here. Doing this.
On that basis, sure. FIVE STARS for this escapist fable with the happy ending.
May 17, 2021
One glance at this cover will reveal that it is a distinctly different art style, in color, emotion, and relationships. Horacek's characters seek each other out and nearly spill over with open emotion. In the cover image alone, the relationship of Bear and Hare approximate a glowing heart space between them. They are direct and daring and eager to explore, to find and feel and flex the power of seeking self.
In this story, Hare is joyously appreciative of the marvelous meadow in which he lives. And yet, what else might await them in a wider world? What if something better is "out there" waiting? Each of Hare's friends explains what makes the meadowland a perfect place to live, the BEST for them. Hare understands, but simply MUST see for himself. Within his journeys, he finds marvels for which he had hoped, in each case imagining how his meadow friends would appreciate it, too. And after many discoveries and considerations, without explicit statements, Hare heads home. Those ever-returning thoughts of what would make his friends happy draw him back, with a recognition that it is those friends, in their shared, lovely spaces, that determine the BEST place in the world for Hare.
In this story, Hare is joyously appreciative of the marvelous meadow in which he lives. And yet, what else might await them in a wider world? What if something better is "out there" waiting? Each of Hare's friends explains what makes the meadowland a perfect place to live, the BEST for them. Hare understands, but simply MUST see for himself. Within his journeys, he finds marvels for which he had hoped, in each case imagining how his meadow friends would appreciate it, too. And after many discoveries and considerations, without explicit statements, Hare heads home. Those ever-returning thoughts of what would make his friends happy draw him back, with a recognition that it is those friends, in their shared, lovely spaces, that determine the BEST place in the world for Hare.
February 15, 2021
Hare sits with his friends overlooking their meadow and one by one each answers his question: "Is our meadow the best place in the world?" One by one, each answers, "yes", but with a special reason. Bear loves it because it has bees and he loves honey and sharing it with everyone. Duck agrees because he likes swimming in the stream. Hare answers everyone with similar words: bees are everywhere or streams are everywhere. Wise owl suggests that Hare discover the answer for himself by exploring all the world. And so he does. Horacek's mixed-media illustrations fill the pages with gorgeous pictures of that meadow, populated by a grand circle of friends, and on Hare's journey, all the world. There is an ending you "might" predict, but perhaps not. Be sure to read the book to discover that answer and share it with others to see if they are able to guess it! It is a beautiful book with a story that warms the heart!
First published by Walker Books, UK, just published in the US by Candlewick Press. Thanks to them for the copy!
May 7, 2021
Looking at their meadow, Hare wonders if it is the best place in the world. Hare's rabbit friends think it is the best place for running and playing, which is just what they do. Bear thinks it's the best place because of the bees, because where there are bees, there is honey, while the Birds think it's the best because the meadow is surrounded by trees, where they can sit and sing to their friends and Goose likes it for the stream that runs through it. When Hare asks Owl, he suggests Hare go and explore the world to find out for himself if their meadow is the best place in the world. And that is just what Hare does. After traveling the world, what do you think Hare discovers about the meadow he shares with his friends? Hare's wonderings and wanderings are all illustrated in wonderful springtime colors done in mixed media. This is a sweet story that reminds young readers to appreciate their friends, a sentiment that is especially important nowadays, when kids may not get to play with their friends as often as they might want to.
October 13, 2021
Hare discovers that sometimes you have to leave home to fully appreciate it.
A sweet story for preschool-1st grade about exploring outside your comfort zone, appreciating multiple places, and following your heart.
The paintings in the story are deceptively simple. Some are almost impressionist, while others are more "focused". As you study the illustrations, you discover more details that you may have missed on first pass.
It's fun to note that even in his home meadow, his friends live in differing areas-- and their pictures all have a different feel. The cozy warmth of both Bear"s and the little birds' spread, the cheerful blue and green of Duck's wetlands, and in a touch a particularly enjoyed, the red glow of the evening woods for Owl.
This could be used in a variety of lessons: about exploring, home, friends. It also has some sequencing opportunities. It might be fun to pair with a non-fiction lesson on habitats or Over in the Meadow.
Highly recommended for all public libraries. Recommended for primary school libraries.
A sweet story for preschool-1st grade about exploring outside your comfort zone, appreciating multiple places, and following your heart.
The paintings in the story are deceptively simple. Some are almost impressionist, while others are more "focused". As you study the illustrations, you discover more details that you may have missed on first pass.
It's fun to note that even in his home meadow, his friends live in differing areas-- and their pictures all have a different feel. The cozy warmth of both Bear"s and the little birds' spread, the cheerful blue and green of Duck's wetlands, and in a touch a particularly enjoyed, the red glow of the evening woods for Owl.
This could be used in a variety of lessons: about exploring, home, friends. It also has some sequencing opportunities. It might be fun to pair with a non-fiction lesson on habitats or Over in the Meadow.
Highly recommended for all public libraries. Recommended for primary school libraries.
February 20, 2021
The age old tale of thinking that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence when in reality, there is no place like home. All of the animal’s are full of expression and life and I love the visual textures of their fur, feathers and wings, and the crayon scratch style coloring is truly endearing. This includes the tree bark, the flower petals and the water in the sea. A really lovely book through both words and art. The bunny brings to heart, the rabbits from the ever popular Guess How Much I Love You? Books-just so cute and snuggly! I love that the bunny has to see for itself what is most important to it . It feels safe to venture out and explore and is allowed to come to its own conclusion., eventually choosing the love of (extended) family above all.
This is a book about animal diversity and how families can include many different “species”. Sweet all around!
Thank you to Candlewick Press for this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a book about animal diversity and how families can include many different “species”. Sweet all around!
Thank you to Candlewick Press for this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 12, 2021
I love all of these wonderful spring books coming out right now. In The Best Place in the World Hare is out in the meadow with his friends when he asks each of them if they think that their meadow is the most beautiful place in the world because, he just can't decide for himself. Each of his critter friends takes a turn and describes why they think that their meadow is the "best." Still not sure for himself, Hare goes on a little journey, he travels to rivers and deserts and other places of green but, he soon realizes that something is missing from all of these lovely places -- his friends. Although there have been plenty of books written for children about friendship and family, I loved everything about this one and the gorgeous, glossy illustrations made me able to visualize the textured feel and look as I turned each page.
A Beautiful book.
A Beautiful book.
April 2, 2021
“You have asked us all this question. Why don’t you explore the world and find out for yourself.”
What makes the place you live the best place in the world? Is it the tall trees or the bubbling stream? Hare asks all of his friends and they all agree where they live is the best place, but for different reasons. Finally, Owl challenges Hare to find the answer himself by going out into the world. Of course, he discovers beautiful places that have some of the same features as his meadow. But the one thing no other place has is, of course, his friends. Which is what makes his home the best place in the world.
What makes the place you live the best place in the world? Is it the tall trees or the bubbling stream? Hare asks all of his friends and they all agree where they live is the best place, but for different reasons. Finally, Owl challenges Hare to find the answer himself by going out into the world. Of course, he discovers beautiful places that have some of the same features as his meadow. But the one thing no other place has is, of course, his friends. Which is what makes his home the best place in the world.
May 19, 2021
While the storyline for this picture book is rather predictable, the wonderful illustrations with their unusual color palette (the yellow skies reminded me of Denise Fleming) really make this book. The story revolves around a young rabbit (or hare in this story) who knows that his meadow is a beautiful place, but is it the best place in the world? After asking all his friends for their opinions, the wise owl suggests that hare go on a trip to see for himself. After traveling the world, he of course discovers that the best place in the world is where is friends are. A gentle story that would be a nice bedtime read or could be used for preschool storytime.
November 24, 2020
Such a beautiful book. The obvious deeper meaning of the book makes it so wholesome and reading it made me so happy to think about how true the message is. I would love to use this book in my classrooms because there are so many discussions and questions to bring up with children about their thoughts and feelings of the book. The illustrations are some of the most eye-catching ones I’ve ever seen in children’s picture books with stunning colours and interesting viewpoints. Overall, I really loved this book.
March 27, 2021
This is a really cute book. Hare loves his meadow but wants to know if it truly is the best place in the world. He asks his friends, who all say it is. Hare asks them why it's the best place in the world and when they answer, he says that whatever they said (there is a stream here) could be said of anywhere. Finally, Owl says that Hare should explore the world to see for himself.
I enjoyed the style of the illustrations.
I enjoyed the style of the illustrations.
March 24, 2021
Hare wants to be sure that where he lives is actually the best place in the world. So he asks friends Rabbit, Bear, Duck and Owl. To them, the meadow IS the best place, for reasons pertinent to each of their needs. But Hare is unsatisfied and sets off on an adventure to see if the best place is elsewhere. Traveling the highest mountains, sun-kissed beaches and starlit deserts, Hare discovers is a lesson in where home is.
October 23, 2022
Beautiful illustrations and a beautiful, thoughtful story. Hare loves the meadow where he lives with his friends and wonders if it is the best place in the world. Wise owl suggests perhaps he has to travel to see. At first I thought this was going to be an environmental story - that he would travel and find the rest of the world not so lush and beautiful. But instead it is a story about friendship. The rest of the world is also beautiful but it doesn't have Hare's friends.
March 2, 2021
Hare asked all his friends where is the best place in all the world. Not satisfied with their answers, Hare sets out to find the place. The ending may be predictable, but it is nevertheless very satisfying. With the large colorful illustrations, this is a cozy book to share with friends of all ages.
May 12, 2021
Hare asks his friends in the meadow why this is the best place in the world. Owl invites Hare to explore more the world to see if the meadow is the best place. Off Hare goes to explore different parts of the wold - rivers, waterfalls, mountains, beach, desert, and hills only to return home. *spoiler alert* The best place is the place where your friends live!
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
May 4, 2021
This is a perfect picture book. I love the illustration style, especially the hare. Hare takes us on an adventure all over the natural world, to gorgeous colourful places until he discovers the answer to his question and heads home to his friends for a rewarding conclusion.
September 24, 2020
The Hare goes exploring and discovers that the best place in the world is at home, where his friends are.
February 9, 2021
Hare travels far and wide before realizing where the best place in the world is.
March 5, 2021
Sometimes it's not about where you are but who you are with. Unique, lovely illustrations!
March 11, 2021
Loved it! What a cute book!
April 5, 2021
Without coming out and stealing the words from the Wizard of Oz, there really is no place like home.
April 7, 2021
The art in this book is breathtaking. The story is predictable and sweet.
April 14, 2021
Gorgeous paintings of hare looking for home in different landscapes--eventually, he finds it with his friends. Sweet, simple text, good for read-aloud.
April 15, 2021
Sometimes you need to wander the world in order to realize where the best place really is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews