In My World
A strong rhyme scheme throughout the beautifully written In My World makes it ideal as a read-aloud.
Young children are sure to love the pages of In My World, which are filled with imaginative text by Chuck Aardema and whimsical illustrations by Maria Ciaccio.
It’s the rare mind that hasn’t wondered what life would be like if things were just … a little different. This picture book takes that idea and runs with it, helping children’s imaginations soar.
Each stanza of In My World describes in great detail the differences between the story’s world and the real one. In this fantastical place, “the cows are blue and puppies moo” and “roses are blue and violets are red.” Aardema also begins each stanza with the simple phrase “In my world,” which gives beginning readers the consistency they need and crave.
It’s clear that Aardema composed the text thoughtfully; the perfect amount of words on each page lets young children tackle the book without being intimidated. Some text is even in a different font or color for emphasis. A strong rhyme scheme throughout makes it ideal as a read-aloud, and the beautifully written ending provides perfect closure.
While the author sets each scene well with his descriptive language, Ciaccio’s detailed illustrations truly make the story come alive. Each page is filled with colorful pictures that add vibrancy to Aardema’s text. It is one thing to read about “horses crowing with the morning sun,” but another thing entirely to see it stand out on the page.
In My World has many foreseeable uses in education, especially for elementary and art teachers. Students may even love designing their own In My World stories.
If Chuck Aardema’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he is the grandson of Verna Aardema. In 1976, Verna won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears. It is clear that the talent runs very deep in this family.
Reviewed by
Kelly Thunstrom
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
