How Big is the Sky? by Kimberly Brown

Some things can be counted, while other things aren't so easy to measure. While we can measure the circumference of a lake, how do we measure the warmth of laughter? Or the height of adventure?

Author illustrator Kimberly Brown has created an ambitious and heartwarming picture book. 

At first glance, it's a wonderful book about measurement. Brown introduces readers to a range of tools used to measure and what they track. Readers explore weight and mass, distance, temperature and speed. But then she flips the script. Readers are then taking on an exploration of the world, with a variety of different scenarios playing out. While we might be able to measure the pressure of a tank - can we measure the "fizzing" in your nerves? So follows the premise of the book, with readers following a young child as they explore.

The story is both thoughtful and thought-provoking, with so much opportunity to explore, to question and ponder. It will be an incredible resource in a classroom and a treasured story in every child's bookshelf.

Brown also illustrated the story, and as a high school English and Visual Arts teacher, she understands the power of stories and how words and pictures work together. Her artwork is beautiful, with so much detail in every page. There's a variety of viewpoints and perspectives, making the artwork as interesting and thought-provoking as the story itself.

The endpapers are beautiful, with illustrations of various measurement tools - from barometers to measuring spoons and everything in between. Brown has helpfully included annotations, allowing readers to pop back into the story to find the tool in action.

This book was an unexpected and lovely surprise. How Big is the Sky is a lovely reminder of the power of picture books. It will expand minds and compel readers to look at the world a little differently.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Affirm Press