Thank You, Everything

by Icinori, Emilie Robert Wong (Translator)

This magnificent new title from Icinori starts as a word book of things to be thankful for and turns into a thrilling adventure story along the way

What starts as a series of “thank yous” addressed to common objects that inhabit our daily lives gradually builds into a fantastic journey across landscapes, seasons, and inner discoveries. Deceptively simple, each page acknowledges the contributions of a different object (spoon, rock, beasts) or concept (summer, slumber, surprise), with each image building on the next to create a dazzling narrative that invites readers to puzzle and play, explore and discover, appreciate and marvel. Aaron Becker’s Journey meets Carter Higgins’s Circle Under Berry in this visual tour de force and invitation to look at the world with new eyes.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Art, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Travel, Fiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[DaNae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning. Translated from French this is a work of art. I would happily take any of its 170 pages and frame them for all my walls. The rhythmic narrative packs unexpected emotion.

52 Book Club25, Picture book: 40)  Stream of consciousness narrative

[Natalie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a simple message of gratitude and each page is a three color graphic. Each is beautiful and eye catching enough to be the book cover and bring a bit of joy.

[Ken Yuen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I say this all the time, but the art for this book is incredibly beautiful. And you get so much of it. There are so many pages of interesting art. The orange/blue contrast really makes the images pop. Just incredible

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visually stunning work of art.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustration

[Summer Brown]

lovely lovely appreciation book! The art was phenomenal and the words were beyond endearing

[Beren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putain de chef d'oeuvre de poésie et de couleur

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So stunningly beautiful, poetic and full of fun words and settings. The artistic focus is infused in this book

[August Amari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. Quietly moving and calming, reminding you to stop and find the beauty in the things we use everyday

[Sabine Ibing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Das Duo Icinori interpretiert das Prinzip des Wortbilderbuchs neu, indem es auf jeder Seite einem Objekt aus unserem Alltag dankt, das durch unsere Gewohnheit unsichtbar geworden ist. Ein Element führt zum nächsten und so entsteht nach und nach eine spannende Geschichte. Mit den ersten Sonnenstrahlen wachen wir im Haus eines Abenteurers auf. Wir stehen gemeinsam auf, kleiden uns an, frühstücken und packen unsere Siebensachen, auch die Landkarte, die den Weg weist, denn wir begeben uns auf eine ereignisreiche Reise.

Wir schwingen uns auf ein Fahrrad, nehmen einen Bus und gleiten mit einem Flugzeug durch die Wolken. Wir sinken auf den Meeresgrund und betreten einen Dschungel, begegnen wilden Tieren, erforschen Höhlen und Paläste, wandern durch die Berge und lüften ein Geheimnis. «Danke Wecker, danke Schuhe, danke Kieselstein, danke Horizont…» Ich persönlich finde es schön, sich Gedanken zu machen, wozu jedes Ding, mit dem ich zu tun habe, wertvoll für mich ist, aber auf jeder Seite ein «Danke Unwetter, danke Blitz, danke Raupe» usw. über 176 Seiten empfand ich als ermüdend. Will ich mich bei all diesen Dingen, Lebewesen, Naturereignissen wirklich bedanken? Am Anfang der Geschichte gibt es Karte – aber leider ist das nicht die Storyzur Karte. Denn das hätte für mich Sinn ergeben. Ein Bilderbuch, das zum Sprechen anregt, wiedererkennen, eine Geschichte zu erzählen. Ein Bilderbuch, das für die sprachliche Entwicklung prima ist, für Erweiterung der Sprachkompetenz.

Die Illustrationen sind in Gelb-Orange-Petrolblautönen angelegt Japanischen Formen zeigen sich bei den Fischen, Wellen, Kratztechnik, schöne Landschaften, anmutende, feine Formen mach das Buch zu einem Hingucker. Es ist gut, Dingen des Alltags einen Raum zu geben, auch über ihren Sinn nachzudenken – sich auch zu fragen, ob man die Dinge alle braucht; bzw. warum sie wichtig sind. Aber das mit einem Danke auf jeder Seite zu zelebrieren – das war mir persönlich zu wenig. Vielleicht habe ich das Spirituelle darin nicht verstanden. Der Rotopol Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 3 Jahren, dem ich mich anschließe.

Icinori ist ein französisches Duo, das aus Mayumi Otero und Raphael Urwiller besteht. Gemeinsam arbeiten sie als Autor*innen, Zeichner*innen, bildende Künstler*innen und Verleger*innen und engagieren sich in verschiedensten Projekten, die Illustration, Grafikdesign, Ausstellungen, Verlagswesen und Unterricht umfassen. Gemeinsam haben sie bereits mehrere Kunst- und Kinderbücher veröffentlicht.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using only red, blue, and yellow, the illustration duo of Icinori (the combined talents of Mayumi Otero and Raphael Urwiller) have created what is basically a wordless book of wonder and exploration. Each page contains the phrase “Thank you,” and then names the object seen in the illustrations, which resemble the textured fields of color seen in old-fashion, picture book lithography. The artwork is absolutely jaw-dropping, with inventive dreamy landscapes, fascinating textures, and stark visual contrasts. We start in a house (“Thank you, house”) with a child showering, dressing, eating breakfast and opening a package (“Thank you, surprise”) that contains a treasure map. The child gets ready for adventure, bringing along a backpack, binoculars, and in a humorous twist (“Thank you, piggy bank” followed by “Thank you, hammer”) funds for a long trip. Many modes of transportation follow as do far flung locales, exotic animals, and some near misses (“Thank you, parachute”). At the end of the story (176 pages), the author hints that this may have been an imaginary journey (“Thank you, outline” and “Thank you, treasure chest”), but it hardly matters.

Children will return to this book multiple times, following the main character’s adventures, trying their hand at making up their own dialogue, and suggesting interpretations of the book’s twists and turns. Many of the juxtapositions take some time to figure out and will spark predictions and discussion. With its heavy paper, unique thick, square shape, and gorgeous imagery, this book could anchor a coffee table or star in an alternative Thanksgiving display. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly gorgeous book. Told in silhouettes with a limited palette of blue, orange and yellow, this book shows that you can do so, so much with limitations on color and form. The only words in the book are text thanking the world from small things "Thank you, eye" to emotional things "thank you, fear" "thank you, caution" to the overwhelming awe of the natural world. A particular favorite was a two-page spread in a jungle. "Thank you bird" it reads, as the figure travels in sparse undergrowth and sees a parrot. "Thank you, cacophony" as the undergrowth bursts into a full jungle canopy filled with tropical birds.

The book follows the journey of an unnamed narrator who thanks the world as they wake up and go on an increasingly fantastic, magical journey. There's a lot of meaning that could be derived from the book, as the journey moves from concrete to abstract and back to finding oneself in the mirror and traveling home, but mostly it's just a jaw-droppingly gorgeous book. I really enjoyed the subtle homages to other artists throughout the book, such as a Yayoi Kusami inspired dotted teacup, to a Geogia O'Keefe Sky Above the Clouds homage on a page that reads "Thank you, clouds"

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture book about gratitude and how gratitude can take you on a journey by Icinori. When I first picked this up, I was wondering how I would read this to my students, then I quickly realized, no, this is not that kind of book nor should it be. This colorful and quirky sojourn through the seasons and traveling and everyday life and finding another human to travel with - it's all there in two simple words, "thank you." Icinori thanks everything from wild beasts to spoons to mysteries, and while the verbiage never changes, the scenery does and it is simply delightful. This picture book is meant to sit on a child's (or adult's) lap while they slowly drink in the illustrations and notice the exquisite colors and details. I adore this quietly simple book and want to buy it for people I know of all ages.

[Sarah AK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple children's book, but the art is gorgeous, and it makes you want to thank every silly little thing from your day too. I'll go first...

Thank you, bed (for the good night's sleep)
Thank you, coffee (for the morning routine)
Thank you, grumpy child (for the post-argument hug)
Thank you, car (for the smooth sailing)
Thank you, summer camp (for occupying my kid)
Thank you, grandma (for occupying the other one)
Thank you, work meeting (for actually being productive)
Thank you, library (for this book, and all the others)
Thank you, broken door (for the serendipitous detour)
Thank you, refrigerator (for the lunchtime leftovers)
Thank you, air conditioner (for keeping me cool)
Thank you, cookbook (for the delicious dinner recipe)
Thank you, books (for always winding me down)
Thank you, holiday (for giving me tomorrow off)
Thank you, everything (for everything)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book looks like a thick chapter book, but the pages are (deceptively) simple. Each "thank you" to an object or concept leads to the next, first by association of context or shape, and then leading into a fantastical adventure through many different landscapes. Gorgeously illustrated in a limited color palette with what looks like linocuts. One to pore over again and again.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

On first glance, one might underestimate the power of this hunk of a picture book.
A magical therapeutic adventure that lends itself to hours of storytime exploration and discovery.
Self-inducing hypnosis regarding gratitude for everything and anything life throws one's way, this book read aloud is an experience in meditation and wonder.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Icinori, for this marvelous, clever book. The illustrations, in a limited palette with images mimicking old-style hand color separations, depict first single colors, then objects, creatures and environments as we move from page to page of "Thank You", our gratitude growing. A very special book.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian]

This is a "story" that does thank everything. It is a loooooong picture book. The text is neat and small. It flows with some artwork while other times it is regular print. I would call this an art, poetry book rather than a picture book. It's more reflective than storyline.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Originally in French.
Printed in colors yellow, red, and blue.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lengthy gratitude text pays homage to so many things big and small for which Icinori expresses gratitude with a very simple, "Thank you_____".
Of significance are the illustrations. Iconori uses just two colors and a few shades of each: peachy-orange and teal blue to depict in delicate illustrations with a sense of fluidity to them carried across the page almost path-like.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is GORGEOUS. We got it from the library, but I think we need a copy. It’s a very thick book. My toddler looked at the pictures with me for half the book, which is amazing attention span for a toddler. Within half an hour she was back for the second half. I love the simple vocabulary with the stunning illustrations. Perfect for toddler and Mom.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful artwork. This book reminds me of Shaun Tan somewhat, in that it's a little deeper than might be suggested by the lexile level and market audience. Even so, the bright colors and elaborate artistry will surely interest the intended readers.

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Visually stunning and intricate linocut illustrations in a set color palette, but it went on much longer than I thought, and I wanted either more or less of a narrative arc. It felt like things were vaguely connected, but not enough for readers (especially kids) to make sense of.

[Lyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, this book is really good. It’s the kind of book that I want to read every day because it makes me happy. It shows a good message and the illustrations are beautiful. The story is incredible and I love how gratitude is shown throughout the book

[Elizabeth]

My copy was bright orange, not red. However, I think it made the book prettier.

[Margaret]

Thought provoking with potential for class discussions . . . develop an attitude of gratitude

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations (though hope you like orange as it was used liberally!) and lots of thank yous in this beautiful book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning illustrations magically tell quite a story of rich imagination and what if I was grateful for everything. What a wonderful world it would be. And this book creates that world!

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seemingly a list, a narrative emerges. Vibrant illustrations.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thank you andventure with great illustrations

[Abbigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this as a bedtime book. So many details to explore, stories to impress on the illustrations, very beautiful illustrations in a limited color palette.