Snyder, Gabi. Listen. Stephanie Graegin, Illus. Picture Book. Simon & Schuster, 07/2021. [40]pp. $17.99 978-1-5344-6189-5. OUTSTANDING. GRADES K-3.
A young girl, barraged by the noise of a multicultural cityscape, pauses and closes her eyes and asks the reader, “Can you hear each sound?” Charming digital and colored pencil, full-bleed illustrations radiate calm and caring as the girl separates the cacophony into all the different, discrete, meaningful sounds. As she travels through her school day, the reader sees how her listening builds understanding, awareness, and empathy. A focus on onomatopoeia makes this a great story for reinforcing expressive language. An afterword explains various aspects of hearing.
Melissa McAvoy, Retired