What’s Sweeter: A Debut Picture Book About Tenderly Profound Moments for Kids

by June Tate

Author-illustrator June Tate makes her debut with a heartwarming picture book comparing the seemingly small but tenderly profound moments hidden in our world. A modern-day classic in the making for fans of Margaret Wise Brown and William Steig. This extraordinary book focuses on the everyday moments that slow the world down for us: a hug from someone we haven’t seen in a long time, the soft spot behind a cat’s ear, a ladybug landing on your arm. And in the end, the answer to the question of what's sweeter rings truest of all. The perfect gift for occasions ranging from celebrations like birthdays and graduation to a just-because gift appreciating someone. Pass this book to the sweetest around you.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Love, Storytime, Juvenile, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

Published December 13, 2022

Reviews

[Riley]

almost cried at work reading this 😀

[Carlie Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s Sweeter brings appreciation to the joys that come from small, everyday moments that can so often go unnoticed in our fast-paced world that centers big & material moments. The intricate illustrations, soft colors, well-designed format, & heartfelt message wrap you in a hug of innocence & transport you to a place of gratitude. Wonderful for children, but an important read for adults as well.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t have a reading goal so I don’t have shame reviewing a picture book but anyways yall I came across this picture book and it’s SO lovely. I bought it for MY coffee table (I don’t have one) but it’s just so SWEET! I personally think it’s just art moonlighting as a children’s book

[Briana Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute & simple little book but it is indeed quite “sweet” 💙

[BooksAsDreams (Tiffany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my February read aloud in grades K-3. They love it! So many connections for them to make and hearing their “oohs” and “ahhhs” is amazing!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice concept - pause to appreciate the little things in life. It could be a springboard to discuss all the good things around us.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

this might be the best book there is

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly, what is sweeter than scritching the soft spot behind a cat's ear? I believe your cat would agree! This is a book about sweetness that doesn't have anything at all to do with sugar. It's a reminder to be mindful of the small things that happen during the day that bring us joy. I loved the illustration of the butterflies flying off the canvas!
I think this would be a great read-aloud for Thanksgiving - it's a different take on thankfulness. But it would fit into almost any story time - and would also make a good thought exercise for students. What is your sweetest thing? Hugs from a small friend? Picking vegetables from the garden? Or maybe watching a full moon pop up in the night sky or contemplating pictures from far away telescopes in outer space. As you can see - this book inspires a lot of thinking about joyful moments!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Harper Collins Children's Books through Picture Book Palooza.
Tender story to read as a family to celebrate the joys in their lives. Tate offers readers the chance to compare two things each time to see which is sweeter to them. I love that there are no right answers and kids can decide for themselves what they enjoy. Charming and simple illustrations keep the focus on the readers.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful for bedtime reading--- brightly colored drawings, soothing text, and relatable scenarios. The pages are filled with illustrations of the high points of a young child's day, and the book culminates with a soothing sunset and a chance for one more good night hug. Love, love, love.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book focusing on the everyday moments that slow the world down for us: a hug from someone we haven't seen in a long time, the soft spot behind a cat’s ear, a ladybug landing on your arm. What's sweeter are those things that ring truest of all.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful meandering through a possible day in the life of a child. Poetic but not rhyming, this book invites contemplation and discussion about pausing to consider: what brings us joy.

Themes: joy
Ages: preK-2nd graade+/all ages
Pub year: 2022

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ode to life's simpler pleasures. Adorable.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for this sweet title about the little pleasures in life, which are sweeter when shared

I read a digital review copy of this book from the publisher

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an eARC courtesy of Katherine Tegen Books in exchange for my honest review.

To be blunt, I wish I had enjoyed the illustrations more. Or the text for that matter....

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads and feels like a delightful Mr. Rogers song.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels classic. Nice gentle rhyme, very simple pictures. Great gift book for new child.

[Annese · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute!

[Kelly]

This was a decent book. Some illustrations are weird, like the kid without a neck, but maybe that's just the style?

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but kids faces kinda creepy

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading books celebrating simple pleasures is one of my simple pleasures!

[Jj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'M NOT CRYING, MY EYES ARE JUST LEAKY TODAY.

[nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

my picture book era.

[Ania Leszczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about as sappy as I can get without crying. Love the illustrations especially the sunset

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s Sweeter … reading this book to my “dog who just wants to be close”

Lovely read with simply sweet illustrations.

[Andrea Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the simplicity of the text and the child-like illustrations. This book could be used as a springboard for children’s ideas in a classroom setting.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checked out from FW Wedgwood Library; Recommended from Barnes and Noble blog "The 50 Best Baby Books to Bring to a Baby Shower" 5/50; Sweet book about enjoying the tiny moments of the everyday

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So simple, yet so tender. A lovely reminder to appreciate small moments.