Poetic pairings of creatures and concepts in the natural world reward readers’ close attention by drawing playful and often thought-provoking connections between each duo. Three lines on the first double page spread set the stage for a page turn followed by the final—and often unexpected—line. “if i was an apple / and you were a worm / you’d call me lunch / and i’d call you squirm” centers on humor, while “if i was the silence / and you were a sound / i’d call you missing / and you’d call me found” is more contemplative, with the words’ interpretation enhanced by an illustration of two adult and a juvenile deer in a still winter landscape on the first spread, followed by an overhead perspective of honking migrating geese while the fawn looks up at their clamorous flight. Lush production elements include slightly oversized pages of heavy paper that showcase the appealingly idealized illustrations. (Ages 3–7)

A breathtaking picture book about the relationships we share from New York Times bestselling storytellers Julie Fogliano and Loren Long in the tradition of The Runaway Bunny and Guess How Much I Love You.

if i was the sunshine
and you were the day
i’d call you hello!
and you’d call me stay

if you were the winter
and i was the spring
i’d call you whisper
and you’d call me sing…

Through clever, thought-provoking verse and warmly evocative art, New York Times bestsellers Julie Fogliano and Loren Long explore the awe-inspiring nature of relationships, love, and connection.