Outside In by Deborah Underwood (illustrated by Cindy Derby, 2020) is a lusciously illustrated picture book that captures the beauty of nature by observing how it comes into our modern lives. The illustrations stand out to me, as they are created with watercolor, graphite, and dried flower stems in ink. I love the combination of media and the ultimate result, which so well corresponds to the message of the book.
The picture book begins by observing that so much of our lives is separated from nature (“even when we’re outside . . ./we’re inside”). For example, the girl in the book is driving in a car observing nature. Other page show how nature comes into our lives: shadows, noises, smells. Things from outside become our food, clothes, and furniture. Pets remind of outside, and the sun and dark rule our lives. The language is full of strong nouns and adjectives that illustrate the point as depicted in the illustrations. One page, for example, says, “Even rivers come inside: cool water rushing, eager to return to the sea.” The illustration brings this imagery into focus for the reader: a child brushing teeth in a corner of the page with the outline of pipes and rushing blue watercolor overwhelming the rest of the two-page spread.
Outside In is a truly gorgeous picture book with illustrations ideal for observation and simple rhythmic words that would be ideal for a read-aloud. It is well worthy of the Caldecott Honor it received.
