WHAT IS A CHILD? by Beatrice Alemagna.  New York: Abrams, 2016. 32p.  First published in 2008 in Milan, Italy. ISBN 9781849764124 hc.$19.95   Gr.1-3   E PIC

Alemagna takes a philosophical look at children, their expectations from life, and how they are viewed by adults.  The very large pages with very large rhythmic text allow for easy reading (or reading in front of a group). The opposite page features the very large, almost life-sized head of a child with unbalanced facial features clothed in bold patterns.  Your eye is drawn to he unusual ratio of body parts and everyday objects.  At the same time, those figures exude personality and illustrate the story so well.  The picture book format is aimed at children, but adults will also enjoy the pensive nature of the story.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI