What do you think?
Rate this book
Life
Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel explore the beauty and tenacity of life.
Life begins small, then grows…
There are so many wonderful things about life, both in good times and in times of struggle. Through the eyes of the world’s animals—including elephants, monkeys, whales, and more—Cynthia Rylant offers a moving meditation on finding beauty around us every day and finding strength in adversity. Brendan Wenzel’s stunning landscapes and engaging creatures make this an inspiring and intriguing gift for readers of all ages.
Life begins small, then grows…
There are so many wonderful things about life, both in good times and in times of struggle. Through the eyes of the world’s animals—including elephants, monkeys, whales, and more—Cynthia Rylant offers a moving meditation on finding beauty around us every day and finding strength in adversity. Brendan Wenzel’s stunning landscapes and engaging creatures make this an inspiring and intriguing gift for readers of all ages.
42 pages, Hardcover
Published June 27, 2017
14 people are currently reading
1195 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
513 books860 followersAn author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.
Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.
from bookrags.com
Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.
from bookrags.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
June 29, 2018
And if, one day,
it seems nothing beautiful
will ever come your way again,
trust the rabbit in the field
and the deer who crosses your path.
Seriously?! This is a picture book...for children.
And it is worth
waking up in the morning
to see what will happen.
Yes, it definitely is worth waking up for a myriad of reasons actually, but do very, very young children need this assurance? Call me crazy, but I’m going with no.
The illustrations had a slight Eric Carle vibe and I found them cute. The text was sparse and seemed more aimed at the adult reading aloud than the listening child. 3 stars at most.
it seems nothing beautiful
will ever come your way again,
trust the rabbit in the field
and the deer who crosses your path.
Seriously?! This is a picture book...for children.
And it is worth
waking up in the morning
to see what will happen.
Yes, it definitely is worth waking up for a myriad of reasons actually, but do very, very young children need this assurance? Call me crazy, but I’m going with no.
The illustrations had a slight Eric Carle vibe and I found them cute. The text was sparse and seemed more aimed at the adult reading aloud than the listening child. 3 stars at most.
August 21, 2019
What a lovely book.
Perfect for a gift book for readers who are graduating, starting a new job, retiring, newly committed to vegan living, having had a recent loss or anyone going through a change, or experiencing painful feelings, and for anyone who appreciates nature. This lovely book can act as a healing meditation.
Great for introspective readers, for individuals, for groups, for reading aloud and reading independently.
Lush, gorgeous, and interesting illustrations.
Peaceful and educational and somewhat subtle in its overall message of celebrating life.
Highly recommended for all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
4.5 stars
Perfect for a gift book for readers who are graduating, starting a new job, retiring, newly committed to vegan living, having had a recent loss or anyone going through a change, or experiencing painful feelings, and for anyone who appreciates nature. This lovely book can act as a healing meditation.
Great for introspective readers, for individuals, for groups, for reading aloud and reading independently.
Lush, gorgeous, and interesting illustrations.
Peaceful and educational and somewhat subtle in its overall message of celebrating life.
Highly recommended for all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
4.5 stars
October 3, 2017
Two picture book/children's book rock stars from two different generations, Rylant the storyteller ad Brendan Wenzel the illustrator, with a focus on life processes, seen through the eyes of animals who grow.
"And if one day
it seems nothing beautiful
will ever come your way again
trust the rabbit in the field
and the deer who crosses your path
Trust the wolf
and the wild geese who find their way home."
"And if one day
it seems nothing beautiful
will ever come your way again
trust the rabbit in the field
and the deer who crosses your path
Trust the wolf
and the wild geese who find their way home."
July 2, 2017
Reminds me a little bit of The Red Tree by Shaun Tan (my favorite) in moments.
This brilliantly stars animals of the world who start small and grow and encounter wilderness and new paths to take. It also inspires the reader with hope, and to consider the world and its creatures and new outlooks and the constancy of change.
"And if one day, it seems nothing beautiful will ever come your way again, trust the rabbit in the field and the deer who crosses your path..."
This brilliantly stars animals of the world who start small and grow and encounter wilderness and new paths to take. It also inspires the reader with hope, and to consider the world and its creatures and new outlooks and the constancy of change.
"And if one day, it seems nothing beautiful will ever come your way again, trust the rabbit in the field and the deer who crosses your path..."
July 24, 2017
I enjoyed the telling of this tale. The illustrations we lacking.
August 13, 2019
"Life begins small," the narrator informs us at the opening of this lovely, contemplative picture-book exploration of the beauty, the struggle and the wonder of... life. The narrative is simple but powerful, offering observations and insights that work to make the reader consider life as an overarching concept - life on earth, let's say - as well as an individual journey. After all, life may begin small, but it grows...
With a wonderfully poetic text, one that celebrates all life, and beautiful artwork, Life is a beautiful book. As always, I am struck by the immense skill it takes to pen a narrative so spare, and yet so evocative and powerful. Cynthia Rylant's text is well matched by Brendan Wenzel's artwork, which is sometimes reminiscent of the colorful work he did in such titles as Some Bugs and Some Pets , but then retreats to more somber tones, when depicting a little blue bird lost in a storm, or flying through an immense wilderness. Words and image work together here, as they do in the best picture-books. Less of a story than it is a poem, I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this... perhaps those searching for more philosophical picture-books?
With a wonderfully poetic text, one that celebrates all life, and beautiful artwork, Life is a beautiful book. As always, I am struck by the immense skill it takes to pen a narrative so spare, and yet so evocative and powerful. Cynthia Rylant's text is well matched by Brendan Wenzel's artwork, which is sometimes reminiscent of the colorful work he did in such titles as Some Bugs and Some Pets , but then retreats to more somber tones, when depicting a little blue bird lost in a storm, or flying through an immense wilderness. Words and image work together here, as they do in the best picture-books. Less of a story than it is a poem, I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this... perhaps those searching for more philosophical picture-books?
July 13, 2017
Cynthia Rylant can do no wrong. Absolutely stunning picture book with sparse words about the trials and tribulations of life. Child-friendly pictures of animals navigating the uncertain world would make this an easy entry point for child life counselors, or for poetry teachers 😉looking for a unique way to have kids write in a cyclical pattern (the book begins and ends in the same way: "Life begins small. And then it grows.")
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
August 8, 2017
Richie’s Picks: LIFE by Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel, ill., Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane Books, June 2017, 48p., ISBN; 978-1-4814-5162-8
“Life is change
How it differs from the rocks
I’ve seen their ways too often for my liking.
New worlds to gain
My life is to survive
And be alive
For you”
-- Paul Kantner, “Crown of Creation” (1968)
“Life is not always easy.
There will probably be a stretch of wilderness now and then.
But wilderness eventually ends.
And there is always a new road to take.”
Life is amazing and special. So is LIFE, a breathtakingly beautiful picture book collaboration between a pair of award-winning children’s book author/illustrators of two generations. After reading and re-reading this celebration of existence, I’m still not sure whether I’m more blown away by Rylant’s words or by Wenzel’s pictures.
Life is precious and challenging and miraculous. As this story shows us, life begins small, and grows. LIFE is built around expressive animal characters, many of whom will crack you up. There is only one spread, featuring domesticated pets, in which we catch a peripheral glimpse of humanity’s footprint.
“...Everything is changing.
And it is worth
waking up in the morning
to see what might happen.”
LIFE will be an entertaining read aloud for young audiences. But it may be even more meaningful to any number of perplexed tweens and teens who are trying to decipher this thing called life. Rylant and Wenzel strike a perfect balance here in their presentation of an engaging picture book tale featuring significant philosophical depth.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Life is change
How it differs from the rocks
I’ve seen their ways too often for my liking.
New worlds to gain
My life is to survive
And be alive
For you”
-- Paul Kantner, “Crown of Creation” (1968)
“Life is not always easy.
There will probably be a stretch of wilderness now and then.
But wilderness eventually ends.
And there is always a new road to take.”
Life is amazing and special. So is LIFE, a breathtakingly beautiful picture book collaboration between a pair of award-winning children’s book author/illustrators of two generations. After reading and re-reading this celebration of existence, I’m still not sure whether I’m more blown away by Rylant’s words or by Wenzel’s pictures.
Life is precious and challenging and miraculous. As this story shows us, life begins small, and grows. LIFE is built around expressive animal characters, many of whom will crack you up. There is only one spread, featuring domesticated pets, in which we catch a peripheral glimpse of humanity’s footprint.
“...Everything is changing.
And it is worth
waking up in the morning
to see what might happen.”
LIFE will be an entertaining read aloud for young audiences. But it may be even more meaningful to any number of perplexed tweens and teens who are trying to decipher this thing called life. Rylant and Wenzel strike a perfect balance here in their presentation of an engaging picture book tale featuring significant philosophical depth.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
September 5, 2017
Life by Cynthia Rylant is one of those picture books I feel like adults rave about, but kids go “meh.” It’s a moving read don’t get me wrong. I give it huge props for addressing the light and dark or beauty and struggle in life. But I felt more guarded and hesitant about life after reading this book than hopeful.
“And it is worth
waking up in the morning
to see what might happen.”
In dark and gloomy times, look to nature for hope and peace is the message I read in these pages. A beautiful message for sure, but one I didn’t feel wholeheartedly. The pictures hold beautiful colors, but I saw fear more than anything else in the eyes of the animals. The whale page was my favorite though. A peaceful page that gave me a “sigh”.
I recommend checking it out from your local Library before buying.
August 8, 2018
Beautifully illustrated book with a subtle, yet powerful message for all ages. I see it as a call to nature, away from screens, to engage with, love and protect wildlife while learning resilience from the wisdom of the outdoors. An encouraging, compassionate, life-affirming book!
January 31, 2019
Sometimes certain picture books miss the mark for their audience. I have a feeling this is one of those books. While I appreciate the message (and the lovely illustrations), I'm not sure if it'll find broad appeal among children who are looking for a good story. What we have here is not so much a story as an after-school special about not giving up on life; it's not explicit, but I certainly couldn't help but notice the anti-suicide messages in the text:
I realize that children can struggle with depression and dark thoughts, but I also question whether a book like this will find its audience. The people who would get the most out of a book like this may be at an age where they think themselves "too old" for picture books.
There are parts of the text I'm not crazy about; near the beginning we get a lot of sentence fragments. The illustrations are quite lovely, with colourful full-page spreads of animals living their lives. The pictures are actually stronger than the text, in my opinion.
This might make a lovely gift for older children (ones who wouldn't turn up their noses at a picture book, anyway) or even adults. But as a kids' book, I'm not sure it quite hits the mark.
And it is worth
waking up in the morning
to see what might happen.
I realize that children can struggle with depression and dark thoughts, but I also question whether a book like this will find its audience. The people who would get the most out of a book like this may be at an age where they think themselves "too old" for picture books.
There are parts of the text I'm not crazy about; near the beginning we get a lot of sentence fragments. The illustrations are quite lovely, with colourful full-page spreads of animals living their lives. The pictures are actually stronger than the text, in my opinion.
This might make a lovely gift for older children (ones who wouldn't turn up their noses at a picture book, anyway) or even adults. But as a kids' book, I'm not sure it quite hits the mark.
July 3, 2017
An adult book disguised as a children's book.
December 2, 2019
Beautiful! Great words of wisdom.
January 9, 2018
I read this to my 7 year old daughter. I would say that I liked it more than she did. You really have to take your time with this one for a child to enjoy it and explain what's going on. As an adult, you already understand that things change and grow and you have access to news outlets and are aware of what some of the images are referencing. Kid's just don't have that access. One of the images I believe depicted a dead coral reef, of course, as an adult I am aware of the coral bleaching going on. I had to explain that. We visit the museum fairly often and one of the displays points out that most life that has ever lived is now extinct. My daughter is familiar with that idea. Things change. The dinosaurs are gone, but, we have birds. Maybe we will lose a lot, maybe something new will make it's way.
Overall the view is optimistic, but, some things get to you more as an adult.
Overall the view is optimistic, but, some things get to you more as an adult.
January 29, 2018
“Life begins small,” ( with an illustration of a baby elephant) “Then it grows.” “Ask any animal on earth, what do you love about life?” Each animal has its own answer (“The hawk will say sky”), and just like with people, our perception determines the way it sees the world. Hard times come, but Rylant reminds us “in every corner of the world, there is something to love.” Beautiful, detailed illustrations support the story theme of "life may be hard at times, but we need to find beauty around us."
August 28, 2019
I was delighted to view this lovely little book. Apparently it was designed as a children's book. I have purposely stated, "designed", because the the words and the illustrations so beautifully harmonize. Ordinarily I would not choose this for my personal viewing, but it had a glowing review from one of my Goodreads Friends.
Hold these thoughts: "Life begins small. Ask any animal on earth, what do you love about life?"
It was a pleasure to spend this brief interlude with these warm artistic renderings and the heartwarming concepts.
4.5 Rating.
Hold these thoughts: "Life begins small. Ask any animal on earth, what do you love about life?"
It was a pleasure to spend this brief interlude with these warm artistic renderings and the heartwarming concepts.
4.5 Rating.
March 14, 2020
Beautiful!
April 21, 2025
top 20 book ever
July 6, 2017
Stunning picture book about the beauty and wonder of life. I can see this one being a Caldecott contender.
July 6, 2017
Okay this book is super hyped up and I kinda get why, but not really. 😬 maybe because it's two powerhouses doing what they do best but not doing much to change the game: broad strokes to use animal life spans as a device to comment on the sanctity & brilliance of life for all (humans). Idk maybe it's just me & my high expectations, together forever alone.
April 10, 2018
Profoundly moving in a positive direction.
Wow, this book was really cool. It's a very hopeful book, in a very realistic way. It just talks about how life starts small and grows, and that different animals like different things because anywhere in the world there's always something to love and something to protect. There's always something beautiful somewhere. Even if you're going through a dark stretch in life, just know that everything is changing all the time. "And it is worth waking up in the morning to see what might happen."
That's a really powerful message, said in a very simple way. So many people struggle for many different reasons, and that advice is applicable to almost anyone. Everybody has bad days. Probably everybody has times where they think that things are never going to be good again, but if you remember that everything is always changing, and that life goes on around you, and it might help you to just relax and be in the moment. Kind of a mindfulness message.
All of the illustrations are of animals in the natural world. It uses animals rather than humans to get the message across. There are no people in this book, which makes it more poetic than down-to-earth, but sometimes the poetic and slightly metaphorical message is easier to digest. Since it's all animals, it's easier to identify with. There are no races, genders, or ages, so everyone can feel included.
Message: Everything keeps changing, life keeps growing, and that's good.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
Wow, this book was really cool. It's a very hopeful book, in a very realistic way. It just talks about how life starts small and grows, and that different animals like different things because anywhere in the world there's always something to love and something to protect. There's always something beautiful somewhere. Even if you're going through a dark stretch in life, just know that everything is changing all the time. "And it is worth waking up in the morning to see what might happen."
That's a really powerful message, said in a very simple way. So many people struggle for many different reasons, and that advice is applicable to almost anyone. Everybody has bad days. Probably everybody has times where they think that things are never going to be good again, but if you remember that everything is always changing, and that life goes on around you, and it might help you to just relax and be in the moment. Kind of a mindfulness message.
All of the illustrations are of animals in the natural world. It uses animals rather than humans to get the message across. There are no people in this book, which makes it more poetic than down-to-earth, but sometimes the poetic and slightly metaphorical message is easier to digest. Since it's all animals, it's easier to identify with. There are no races, genders, or ages, so everyone can feel included.
Message: Everything keeps changing, life keeps growing, and that's good.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
June 28, 2017
A contemplative book about the wonders of life, both the light and dark of it, paired with beautiful illustrations.
July 13, 2017
For when you are having a hard time remembering why you should live.
January 16, 2018
The pictures are beautiful but sadly I found the text too platitudinous.
April 10, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Life by Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel, a vivid and stunning meditation on life and what makes it so magnificent.
Life begins small: a sprouting plant, a baby elephant. Everything begins as something smaller, and then? It grows. As days and nights pass, it becomes larger, and different, and more incredible than the day before. Life comes in many forms, from the smallest insect to the biggest whale. And if you ask each animal what they love about life, they will answer differently: a hawk loves the wind, a snake loves the grass, the ancient turtle loves the rain on its shell. But life is hard sometimes, and there can even be times when it’s hard to find the beauty in it. But we must push through, because the morning will bring something new, something unique, something incredible – because life is beautiful, and so are you.
Simply phenomenal. Rylant and Wenzel have crafted something absolutely astonishing in its simple grace and powerful message. At the start, the story is a look at the animal kingdom through a different angle, and the detailed and eye-catching mixed media art sweeps the reader on this journey in a striking style. Then halfway through, the tone shifts, becoming a story about overcoming hardships and finding hope in troubling times. It encourages the reader that the dark and scary times will end, and that life is worth seeing and loving and experiencing. It’s an unexpected and deeply moving sentiment, especially for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced grief or depression. And with suicides and self-harm among young children on the rise, it’s a message that all young readers should hear as much as possible. The length is great, JJ loved the animals, and just… wow. This is a must-read, and we strongly recommend it to anyone who needs a reminder to find hope in the storm. Baby Bookworm approved!
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
July 5, 2017
The text gave me the feel of a loving adult sitting beside a child, musing on life and how to live it. Conversational, confiding and reassuring in tone - like a grandparent reflecting on the experience of a long lifetime - in language perfectly suited to a young child. Exquisitely written and so moving.
Then there are Brendan Wenzel's astonishingly beautiful illustrations that take the simple words and expand them with sheer visual power. There is humor here too in the images as well as tremendous depth. How do you start a conversation with a young child about life? Read this book with them.
Then there are Brendan Wenzel's astonishingly beautiful illustrations that take the simple words and expand them with sheer visual power. There is humor here too in the images as well as tremendous depth. How do you start a conversation with a young child about life? Read this book with them.
August 4, 2017
I came across this at work and it was so beautiful I had to read it. It has such a beautiful message as well and made me feel like crying in the middle of my shift! Highly recommended.
April 18, 2018
This is a beautifully illustrated book. It seems to be a philosophical look at life (rather than a “story”) but the kids enjoyed it and said they’d be happy to read it again.
July 14, 2017
I no doubt read this book with a stunned expression. I was amazed by it. The dreamlike illustrations were just retro enough to have a timeless feel. While the overall theme is life and hope, it doesn't veer into the territory of mawkishness, which so many books with these thematic elements tend to do. Instead, I felt as if I were being comforted.
People often forget that children experience stress and depression, just as adults do. The allusions to navigating the darkness, I think, will be just as meaningful to kids as it is to adults, albeit in different ways.
Most of all, I think, the overriding message is that all the Earth's beings value and treasure their lives. Their experiences are as unique to them as ours are to us. That's a message that we all need to take into consideration, and not a moment too soon.
People often forget that children experience stress and depression, just as adults do. The allusions to navigating the darkness, I think, will be just as meaningful to kids as it is to adults, albeit in different ways.
Most of all, I think, the overriding message is that all the Earth's beings value and treasure their lives. Their experiences are as unique to them as ours are to us. That's a message that we all need to take into consideration, and not a moment too soon.
July 29, 2017
Lovely story with phenomenal illustrations. How I love to watch a young illustrator grow. Brendan Wenzel's previous book They All Saw a Cat was amazingly unique, and stunning. It won a much deserved Caldecott Honor. Every spread in Life is just as incredible and possibly more. The mood Wenzel sets is captivating and somewhat magical. There is so much to look at and absorb. This is not an adult picture book. Wenzel does not forget who his audience is. I absolutely love it! p.s. Everyone keep your eye on this illustrator. He will become one of the classic great illustrator's of our time. I have no doubts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews