Kooser, Ted. Seven Skies All at Once. Matt Myers, Illus. Candlewick, 07/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2900-4. GRADES Preschool–3. ADDITIONAL.
In Seven Skies All at Once, two brown-skinned children express their perspectives on the various skies they observe while helping their parents do laundry on their apartment building’s rooftop. The book’s colorful illustrations are exceptionally vivid and carefully crafted, with each page featuring dynamic oil paintings that capture both the shifting clouds and the lively actions of the children. These visuals breathe life into the story, drawing young readers into a magical journey where they encounter everything from soft clouds to dark, mysterious skies. Although the poetic language adds beauty to the tale, it doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the artwork.
Eboni Weston—San José State University iSchool Student