by Matthew Hodson
Cicada Books
09/21/2021, hardcover
SKU: 9781908714923
Have you ever stopped to think about what is happening at this very moment in time? In this poetic book about the present moment, Matthew Hodson explores what is happening in the natural world, at this very moment in time.
At this very moment
There's a mouse
There's a small mouse waking up in the early morning sun
And at this very moment
There's a whale
There's a blue whale singing whale song, deep beneath the sea
As you sit and read this book
Somewhere there's a plum
A plum so ripe a worm will come
And eat it for its tea
At This Very Moment is a beautifully poetic bedtime book for children. Using simple but evocative language, it describes all the wonderful things that are going on around the world right now, this very second. In doing so, it asks the young reader to be present in this moment in time and to feel at one with the giant, magnificent organism that is our planet.
In an entirely organic and unselfconscious way, this book encourages mindfulness and reflection as well as a sense of marvel at the world we live in.
And at this very moment
Somewhere there's a baby
There are babies everywhere
Drifting off to sleep...
Target age: 2 and up
Reviews:
"Soothing, rhythmic, often repetitive words and distinctive illustrations make this a lovely, quiet book that radiates calm." -- Kirkus
"What a reassuring and peaceful last book of the night!" -- Youth Services Book Review
"There's a sweet simplicity about this book, making this a great pick for early readers." -- San Francisco Book Review
"Beautiful lyrical text and captivating artwork focus on different living things and landscapes, reminding young readers to remain in the present while reflecting on and appreciating 'this very moment'." -- Paper Ren
"Told with simplicity and a variety of landscapes, this is an enchanting story." -- My Shelves Are Full
"A lullaby of a book." -- The Literacy Tree
About the Author:
Matthew Hodson is a Leeds-based writer, illustrator, lecturer and father of two young boys. He has written a self-published book of poetry, Forwards, Always, and is the illustrator of Prehistoric Times (Frances Lincoln, 2017) and Don't Hug the Pug (Cicada, 2018). He has worked with The Guardian, New York Times, Laurence King, Nobrow, Natural History Museum, and many more.