The Big Empty: A Sagebrush Survival Story

by Kirbi Fagan

People passing by call this land the big empty. / But I call it home.


In spare, poetic text written from the point of view of big sagebrush, readers are transported to the vast landscape of western North America. This incredibly resilient plant, which can live as long as one hundred years, provides food and shelter as well as shadows to conceal both predators and prey. After a wildfire passes through, it grows again and will thrive once more. Author and illustrator Kirbi Fagan captures the beauty of this essential plant in her lyrical words and richly detailed illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature, Childrens, Environment

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Kirbi Fagan is a Metro Detroit based illustrator who specializes in creating art for book covers and comics. Her illustrations are known for their magical themes, nostalgic mood and feminine heroines. She received her bachelor’s degree in Illustration from Kendall College of Art and Design.

Kirbi is passionate about participating in the illustration community both online and at large. Currently, she teaches illustration at College for Creative Studies in Downtown Detroit. Kirbi's work has been acknowledged by organizations such as Spectrum, Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles and New York, ImagineFX and the International Writers & Illustrators of the Future. Recent clients include, Orbit Books, Marvel, Stone Arch Books and Dark Horse Comics. When not painting, Kirbi enjoys writing stories, spending time with her family and rollerblading with her dogs, Sophie and Maisey.

From the artist's website.

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a versatile picture book! Kirby Fagan’s text is lyrical and filled with vivid verbs, metaphor, simile, hyperbole and personification and just flows off the tongue as it is read making it beautiful for all ages to read or, better yet, listened to by learners as young as kindergarten and as a mentor text for older elementary. All the animals with their actions and struggles plus weather and the fire disaster provide so many opportunities for conversation and vocabulary development and again, for the very young through the middle grades. Combining the main text plus the back matter providing additional information about the wildlife and their myriad of adaptations and behavior makes this a book that could easily be used in upper elementary to augment lessons on not only behavioral and structural adaptations but food chains and food webs as well. Even art teachers could use this picture book as an example of using multiple medium (pastel, collage paper, colored pencil & a tablet) to create illustrations that convey a mood as well as scenery.

Highly recommended picture book for ages kindergarten through 6th grade for the different purposes as described and could be used in higher grade levels when used in art or language arts class classrooms.

Thanks for the print arc, Millbrook Press/Lerner Books.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spare, quiet, reflective, and deeply thought-provoking children's book about the Big Empty [land mostly in the west/southwest] and the sagebrush that both lives there and almost singlehandedly keeps everything and everyone [deer, birds, and the like] alive when there is no water.

Beautifully told, with gorgeous illustrations this book will show littles a land they may have never seen and how so many things work together to survive. Notes at the end really add to the overall story and this will be both a lovely learning experience [that adults can draw from to teach more], whilst also very entertaining.

I loved this one so much and highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kirbi Fagan, and Lerner Publishing Group/Millbrook Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Darya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picturebook that is both informational and poetic in its nature. It is marked as intended for 5–10-year-olds, but it's clearly not only for them, as the artistic merit and the contemplative mood give the book great crossover value.

I don't want to get deeply into the topic of whether it is actually for 5–10-year-olds, as has been suggested in another review, as it hinges too much on our, adults’ construction of what children are and what they like. The idea that preschoolers mostly like cartoonishly cute and exaggerated characters, with fast-paced action, might have some psychological basis, but by the middle-grade age category, this predilection is as much taught through exposure as anything. Okay, sorry, I did get into this topic after all.

But the sagebrush as the protagonist and narrator of the story that tells us about their world! Isn't that amazing? I truly appreciate that there are more and more titles out there that show the world from a more ecological, environmentally conscious point of view.

Publication date: October 7, 2025.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC. The opinion above is entirely my own (informed by a professional interest in children's books rather than by my own age or by an experience of reading it with children in my care).

[bookcookery]

The Big Empty is a lovely and lyrical book, ideal for sparking discussions about resilience, interconnectedness, and the sagebrush ecosystem. It follows a familiar format in children’s nonfiction: an easy-to-read, poetic story followed by a factual section that highlights the elements of the ecosystem featured in the narrative.

The book evokes a poignant sense of emptiness, exemplified by a lone RV puttering through the landscape, and gently explores how quiet, essential parts of the environment can be overlooked. Themes of hope and interdependence are woven throughout.

However, its contemplative tone, while beautiful, may also lead this book to be overlooked. Given the quiet, restful nature of the central character of the sagebrush, the book might benefit from a more integrated narrative approach, similar to what’s seen in Life After Whale, to increase re-readability and deepen scientific engagement. Still, The Big Empty offers a quiet, powerful reminder of the value found in often-overlooked landscapes, and for the right reader, it may spark a lasting curiosity about the natural world.

Thanks to Millbrook Press and NetGalley for providing an advance reading copy.

[Shan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is overall done really well! However, I am unsure about how popular it would be among the intended younger audience. I think the two main reasons for that are 1) the topic is very specific and narrow, and 2) the writing is just too serious and, frankly, dull. In short, I think that little kids will be easily bored when reading this book, which is not a great thing. Don't get me wrong, the information in this book is likely interesting to some people out there, but they are probably not children, and I am also not a part of that "some people".
For whom it may interest, this book is organized and written nicely. Information is clear and concise, and the history of the sagebrush is told in a storytelling format. A quick critique about that: I think that the story's ending came too abruptly. There was a resolution and then the book was done. I would have liked to see a quick line (or two) to make the conclusion a bit smoother.
Lastly, the illustrations were great! There was a very clear art style, but they were still true-to-life, without being overly realistic.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirby Fagan uses both her pictures and words to show the important role sagebrush plays in its ecosystem. It provides water and food for animals, shelter for both predators and prey, and even has to endure the cycle of wildfires—returning slowly, as long as invasive plants introduced by humans don’t interfere.

Alongside the main story, Fagan includes illustrations of local wildlife with short blurbs, giving readers a little extra glimpse into the environment. There isn’t a huge amount of detailed information, but for someone like me—who doesn’t live in the West and knew nothing about sagebrush before reading this—it was eye-opening.

I’m glad I read it as an adult, and I think it would be just as interesting and educational for children. Definitely recommended!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated, this picture book brings voice to the world of western North American through the eyes of the sagebrush that covers the landscape. Themes of resilience and determination to thrive after loss.

I read this with my 5 year old and he enjoyed the pictures and asked questions about what was happening. The informational matter at the end was thoughtful and a great way to learn more about the Big Empty.

I will be adding a physical copy of this book to our home bookshelf and to my classroom library.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this title.

Publication Date: 7 Oct 2025

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved "The Big Empty: A Sage Book Survival Story." The story is exceptionally well written, engaging young readers with its vivid descriptions and heartfelt storytelling. The narrative beautifully captures the spirit of adventure and resilience.

The illustrations are truly stunning—rich, colorful, and full of life, perfectly complementing the story and captivating my attention from start to finish. Every page is a visual delight that's sure to enchant children and adults alike.

I’m looking forward to reading this book to my boys over and over again. It’s a wonderful addition to any child's library, and I believe it will become a beloved favorite for years to come.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Empty
A Sagebrush Survival Story
by Kirbi Fagan
In Kirbi Fagan's The Big Empty, the silent, sturdy sagebrush is given a voice. From its unique perspective, we witness how it provides essential food, shelter, and protection for the creatures of the American West. When devastating wildfires sweep across the land, the story poignantly explores what happens to the animals left behind. Through lyrical prose and breathtaking illustrations, Fagan tells a moving story of loss, resilience, and the slow, hopeful journey of nature's recovery.

[Christine Gustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC of this book!

The illustrations were great! I also enjoyed how the author drew a lot of connections between the sage bush and the overall ecosystem.

I didn’t love how the book felt a bit heavy (given that young children are the audience) and the themes felt a bit over-baked (maybe trying too hard to be profound when a simplified story would have been more impactful for younger readers).

Overall, a nice little book.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love letter to the west and the sagebrush that sustains it. I always knew that sagebrush was important to the ecosystem, but I had no idea just how much! It is truly more than it appears to be, and absolutely the saving grace of its dry, hot desert climate. This book teaches us this very fact with such poetic reverence, as well as beautifully atmospheric illustrations.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated, The Big Empty feels like a poetic love letter to the big sagebrush and the land where it thrives. This is ecosystem in America’s western shrublands is one I knew very little about. But Kirbi Fagan’s words and art made me care about this species and the animals that benefit from its survival. This book is the perfect read aloud to your budding biologist. A must have for a children's library collection.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgous introduction to the sagebrush ecosystem! The book is narrated by sagebrush itself which could be cutsy and definitely isn't. This book shares the fascinating science of all the creatures that depend on sagebrush because it has the best root system for accessing water in a hot dry place and it provides cover from the harsh wind for many animals and because the leaves retain water when everything else is dry.

[red · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Empty
By Kibi Fagan
This book has wonderful beautiful illustration. The story highlighted the value of the ecosystem and sage bush. It was also metaphorical about the importance everyone has in life.

I read it to my eight, five, and two year old and they all loved the story and looking at the pictures.

[Tracie Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book about the sagebrush plant. It has beautiful illustrations and just the right amount of factual information for a young reader. I enjoyed the information and the wonderful illustrations. 4/5⭐
I would like to Thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this wonderful book!

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super poetic childrens book about sagebrush and the desert landscape and ecosystem. Equally educational and beautiful. The artwork is breathtaking and the prose is enchanting. My kid doesn't really want to revisit this one over and over but it's definitely one for a classroom or museum setting and to help children understand a different landscape in the desert.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful picture book showcasing the importance of the sagebrush in the ecosystem.
This book would be a great addition if studying this specific ecosystem, but I don't feel like it would capture the attended audience more than once.
A lot of great information and wonderful illustrations. Both my children liked listening the story and looking through the photos

[Patti Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Empty by Michigan author and illustrator, Kirbi Fagan, does absolutely EVERYTHING a lyrical, nonfiction picture book should do! Gorgeous illustrations, sparse, lyrical text, a just-right story arc from an unexpected main character...sage brush! My goodness, this book couldn't be more beautiful!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!

A beautiful look at the South West desert, told from the point of view of a sagebrush, narrating all the many, many ways sagebrush contributes to the surprisingly thriving environment of the desert, paired with hauntingly beautiful pictures.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Empty
Kirbi Fagan
Beautiful paintings, and research on the life of sage brush, not only what they provide for the environment. The images of fire and life cycle bring the story of sage to young readers. I liked the information about each of the animals related to the sagebrush.

[Kat (kvcatnip) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does an amazing job at explaining (in a captivating way) the wonders of sagebrush. I remind my students often that everything in nature is connected, everything has its place and job. This book breaks down what sagebrush's role is for young readers in an easy-to-understand way.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this lushly illustrated and lyrical book about how everything is interconnected in the western ecosystem and how the plants and animals depend upon one another and, especially, the sagebrush. I learned a lot!

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley.

[Elizabeth E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poetic and informative story told from the perspective of the resilient sagebrush. With science, social studies, and literary connections, this book belongs in every school and classroom library.

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the format of this narrative nonfiction and learning about sagebrush and all it provides as a habitat and biome for other plants and animals.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this one. Really good book focusing on an overlooked ecosystem.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, but I don't think my 2nd graders will appreciate it. They have already voted down "Zero" and "This Book Bubbles Over."

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

the store of sagebrush in the wild and how it survives and helps others with simple meaningful text. Preschool and up