Awe!

by Chana Stiefel, Susan Gal (Illustrator)

This soul-stirring exploration of that mysterious feeling, awe, is perfect for celebrating big moments or the small wonders in every day. Will appeal to fans of All the World and In Every Life.



★ "This title stands out for its focus on one [feeling] that few other stories have awe." ― Kirkus Reviews



Introducing A. W. E., anAwesomeWondrousEmpoweringemotion!When chills travel down your spine, and sudden tears surprise your eyes.When your heart exclaims, "Ooh! Ahh! Whoaaa!"That's when you knowyou've found AWE.

This breathtaking journey will take you to the Grand Canyon and the deepest reaches of the sea. It will invite you to share moments of giving and to feel the joy of family and community. It will lift you to the highest heights and make your spirit soar.

Experiencing awe has been scientifically proven to spark wonder, improve thinking, and open us up to new ideas. For children living through these turbulent times, Awe! is the perfect book to foster positivity, comfort, joy, and empowerment.

Genres: Picture Books, Emotion, Childrens, Nature, Fiction, Poetry, Juvenile

38 pages, Library Binding

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Chana Stiefel is the author of more than 30 books for children, both fiction and nonfiction. Her recent picture book, THE TOWER OF LIFE: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs (illus. Susan Gal, Scholastic), received many honors including the 2023 Sydney Taylor Book Award, a Robert F. Sibert Honor, the Margaret Wise Brown Prize, the Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children's Literature & SCBWI's Inaugural Robert Freedman Nonfiction Award for a Better World. Her next book is LET'S FLY: Barrington Irving's Record-Breaking Flight Around the World (co-written with Barrington Irving, illus. by Shamar Knight-Justice, Dial/PRH, 1-14-25). Other recent nonfiction titles include LET LIBERTY RISE! How America's Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty, illustrated by Chuck Groenink (Scholastic), and ANIMAL ZOMBIES! AND OTHER BLOODSUCKING BEASTS, CREEPY CRITTERS, AND REAL-LIFE MONSTERS (NatGeoKids). Chana's humorous fiction picture books include BRAVO AVOCADO (HarperCollins), MENDEL'S HANUKKAH MESS UP (Kalaniot), DADDY DEPOT (Feiwel & Friends) & MY NAME IS WAKAWAKLOCH (HMH). Chana is represented by agent Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary.

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is bursting with life and color. Chana Stiefel's poem is based on the work of psychologist Dacher Keltner on the emotion of awe. Each page depicts a scene which may provoke awe in most people, from the breaching of a massive humpback whale, to the beauties of the Grand Canyon, and even a butterfly landing on one's finger. Susan Gal used pencil, ink and watercolor to great effect in creating all of these large illustrations, which can be easily shared with a group. People of many ethnicities and abilities are depicted. A lovely book that will bring joy to young readers.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A.W.E., an Awesome Wondrous Empowering emotion!” Chana Stiefel’s new book explores that feeling that makes you go oooh, Ahhh or Wow. Her simple text is complimented by literally awesome illustrations from illustrator Susan Gal who presents small miracles like a spider web and overpowering vistas like Yosemite Park and Aroura Borealis. Although the book encourages readers to find awe everywhere at any time, the book is especially appropriate during the Days of Awe between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

To find out the story behind this story you can read my author interview Chana Stiefel Discusses Awe! on my Storybook Lady book blog.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful illustrations and description of the very difficult to describe emotion of awe!

Thank you to Scholastic for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe is gorgeously illustrated. Finding awe in simple and big things is a hard emotion to explain but done very well in this book, I would recommend this story being added to all grade levels with a new way to look at it. Awe is so important.

Thank you to Scholastic Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review and for the GLGB Award Committee.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this as a classroom book, and I think it would be great in a lot of elementary schools to start with talking about awe and what it is. This book is read aloud-able with really colorful illustrations and fascinating back matter about what happens when you approach life with awe.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central

This exuberant picture book introduces children to the concept of AWE: an Awesome, Wonderous, Empowering emotion. Not the "aww" of cute little kittens, but the larger feeling one might get from a whale emerging from the sea, a desert vista at sunset, the Northern Lights, fireworks, or the majesty of the deepest ocean. Awe brings delight in things as small as sea turtles or as large as skyscrapers. It can be tied to spiritual ceremonies or everyday kindnesses. Awe can inspire people to help others and to create, and makes your heart exclaim. an authors' note at the end explains some of the science behind this powerful emotion.

The artwork is the real draw here, with pencil, ink and watercolor illustrations rich in layered color. The beginning of the book has a seascape that blends the blues and greens of the waters with a bright yellow of a setting sun and is quite spectacular. There are two fold out pages of a canyon at sunset that makes the scene so large it definitely plays up the words "open ended". It might be easy to miss these if the pages are tucked in tightly. The illustrations have a tiny bit of a 1970s feel to them because of the color and something about the children's faces. Ms. Gal (New Shoes for Leo, Day by Day) has a way with drawing cats and should definitely come out with more books like Dear Stray!

The text is in poetic language that occasionally rhymes, although the rhythm is far from predictable, just like awe itself. This would be a good read aloud to start the day in an elementary classroom on an upbeat note, along with titles like Smith and Hanson's Zenguin, Forman's Light, or Hess and Phumiruk's Quiet is Strength.

Young readers whose souls (unlike mine) haven't, as my daughter put it "Shrunk in the laundry and ridden up your butt" will enjoy this a lot more than I did. At least it was upbeat, and not about anxiety or depression, which we are seeing trickle down from middle grade into picture books.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look no further than this book. I WILL own this book after it's published and gift it as well as add it to our high school library's picture book collection because it's a concept that needs to be discussed and talked about more-- awe. Finding awe in simple and big things, private things and public things surrounded by community. It can be in nature and experiences themselves.

Gal's complimentary illustrations show exactly what awe can look like in a picture book with two features (the double fold out) and turning the book sideways for a set of pages. It's AWEsome and then when there are additional quotes and science about what awe can do for people, it becomes significant. The weightiness of the words and images can be reread and felt even more deeply.

[Nohra Bernal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had great expectations for this book, but unfortunately it didn't deliver. It would have probably worked better as a poem, not a full book, as the theme of "feelings" quickly runs out and actually falls short. Is it really necessary to talk about limitless awe in this limited way? I don't know. Finally, when everything seems so mysterious and miraculous, on a tiny corner of a very crowded page appears a shy, almost reluctant reference to Psalm 65, which is a totally different dimension of "awe." It's like publishing a book about bread and only mention actual bread at the end on a tiny note, so it's just weird and a risky move.
The illustrations are very colorful and appealing, and the lyrical tone is appreciated.

[Naomi Gruer · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWE is colorful, and expressive, and I am definitely pre-ordering this book to give as gifts and to read to my preschool class! Written by Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Susan Gal, Awe starts with an awe-inspiring whale, then shows how wonder is found in small spaces like spider webs, on the ground like desert wildflowers, in the ocean like sea turtles, and in the sky like Northern Lights and fireworks. Children populate the pages which are filled with canyons, a food kitchen, music, family, and religious celebrations. The story and artwork are beautiful and meaningful, and I look forward to studying each page for more treasures.

[Theresa Maria Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe! by Chana Stiefel is a calm, meaningful picture book about wonder and noticing. I kept thinking while reading it how helpful it is to give kids a word for a feeling they already experience all the time. Awe can be big and bright, but it can also be quiet and deep, and this book makes space for that. It reads smoothly as a read aloud and feels like a great choice for bedtime, morning meeting, or a gentle storytime reset. Susan Gal’s illustrations bring so much warmth to the pages and match the tone perfectly. Read more on my website: https://theresamariavillarreal.com/aw...

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feeds my soul! Glorious illustrations of beauty, wonder, and community by Susan Gal will draw you in as the simple text by Chana Stiefel allows for understanding of an emotion that is larger than comprehension for kids. Yet, the kids in these marvelous illustrations prove they experience these moments in nature and in community and in their world with joy in their communities and families all around. I run the spelling bee in both of my elementary schools and I love books that focus on words and how important our vocabulary is to the stories we tell, write, or create in multimedia. This book will be a welcome addition to both school libraries. I could not love this book more!

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've preordered this amazing book and can't wait to have the hardcopy but I was provided a review copy from the author via Scholastic. Author Chana Stiefel invites readers to find their own sense of awe in small spaces and the grandest places of all in this inspiring book. The gorgeous illustrations Susan Gal is famous for bring the lyrical text of author Chana Stiefel to life with a beautiful harmony where the sum of the parts are greater than the individual pieces. A true masterpiece for all ages.

[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely STUNNING picture book. Dare I say I am….in AWE! With writing that is succinct and poetic, and illustrations that are breathtakingly beautiful, this book introduces the concept and emotion of awe to young readers. It invites kids to consider the numerous situations in which they may have already experienced awe and asks them to continue to live their lives in a state of wonder and curiosity -- to look for awe everywhere, from the smallest to the biggest moments. Awe is truly all around us, if we choose to find it. A good reminder for children and adults alike!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of helpful illustrations show that one doesn't need to go whale-watching or to the Grand Canyon to experience Awe. If pay more attention, which we should be doing anyway, we can experience it in our backyard, in the city, even at the soup kitchen. And it will truly help our mental health.

I wish I'd seen this book when I was a child. I had a lovely childhood and did not fully appreciate it... I'd love to have memories of Awe to look back on now, in between finding new experiences for myself.

Oh, and even if you don't read it in all seriousness, the art alone is glorious.

[Donna Cangelosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWE! is much more than a picture book! It's an invitation to experience the magic of awe every day--a gift for children of all ages to look, see, and soak in the wondrous, empowering experiences that the world has to offer. Each page is filled with gorgeous illustrations beaming with life, color, and beauty! At a time when children's schedules are packed with activities and responsibilities, AWE is a beacon of light.

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the most STUNNING picture books I have ever seen. Without a doubt, this will leave you in awe. This is a fabulous book to introduce students to the wonders of the world, the oohs and ahhs all around us. It's so great to marvel at the beautiful, the incredible, the simple, the magnificent. We need more AWE in our world, and this book will brighten your day! Magnificent prose and illustrations will fill your heart and mind with joy.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awe! by Chana Stiefel is a lovely book that deserves a permanent place in your library as a small work of art. The story is warm and meaningful, and the presentation feels special from start to finish. Susan Gal did a magnificent job with the illustrations. The art is beautiful and expressive, and it adds so much emotion to the story. This is the kind of book you come back to again and again. Absolutely lovely.

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! AWE! is yet another stellar picture book creation by author Chana Stiefel and illustrator Susan Gal. You'll marvel over the expansive explorations of awe-filled moments of all sizes and natures, and you'll absolutely revel in the gorgeous depictions spread after spread. At a time when it's often too easy to overlook what can bring much-needed joy and appreciation for what life has to offer, AWE! is a must-have addition to library collections everywhere!

[Kathleen Wilford · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, AWE isn’t “Awww.” As this book teaches us, awe Is when “Chills travel down your spine, and sudden tears surprise your eyes.” Gorgeous and inspiring, this book helps me look for awe every day. Awe lifts me outside myself, develops gratitude, and empowers me to greater creativity. Thank you, Chana!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book for young people and adults. The message is both uplifting and important. "Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world." I read this book to a group of adults and they were all touched by it. We all need to open our eyes to see the awe in this world.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful colorful big illustrations about things that make us look and feel the AWE of events or ocean, fireworks, new pets, desert, rock formations, northern lights, undersea world, baby turtles hatching and moving into the sea, tall buildings in cities, sharing food with people, painted murals, religious holidays, food races, musical performances, and sharing food outside with family.

[Emily Haage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous, engaging illustrations. So vibrant. The text truly conveys to young readers what 'awe' is (I appreciated the "awww, kittens" spread at the beginning.

The scientific explanation of awe in the backmatter is interesting; older kids will appreciate this more.

Would be a great story time read aloud.

[Sue Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you explain awe to kids? This book does a pretty great job. From the majestic to the tiny, from heartwarming to spine chilling - Chana Stiefel's simple and lyrical text and Susan Gal's colorful and spirited art provide an entry into the subject. I am planning to purchase a copy for the Sunday School program at my church. And another for my grand daughters.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a goosebump inducing journey into the concept of AWE. That feeling of amazement and wonder and curious all wrapped up inside a tiny butterfly or a sprawling landscape. The lyrical language and moving watercolor illustrations carry you into the magic of awe.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does this book do a fantastic job describing the excitement and wonder of moments when someone feels AWE, but the book itself - the quick paced and fun to read text alongside spread after spread of gorgeous images bursting with color - inspires its own sense of AWE!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork captures the essence of awe. This emotion helps us move through our lives and opens us to new experiences. A lovely read together story to begin dialogue about seeing awesome sights all around us.

[Alicia Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a picture book that takes one word and explores it's meaning from page to page. This book has bright, colorful, captivating illustrations that brought a smile to my face as I read about the wonder and AWE of the world around us.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for adults too (as are most picture books!).

What is awe?

This beautiful book will allow you to ponder this question, and then you may find yourself reflecting on what has awed you.

Run and find a copy! You can never have too much awe in your life.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations in the book are beautiful! But this is not a book for kids. I'm seriously so tired of this genre of picture books for adults by authors who don't understand writing for children. There's no story, no engagement, or any other element that would interest children.

[Andrés · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice 101 to an uncommon topic / concept in children's books. The text describes instances that you might experience awe, ranging from nature to divinity to human spirit. The end notes explain how awe can contribute to well-being and human connection.