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Everything is Connected
A magical meditation on the powerful idea that we are connected to everything and everyone.
Playful illustrations and funny, rhyming text show readers all of the many ways we are linked to every big, small, hairy, slimy, snuggly, scaly, floppy, flappy, bristly, buzzy, beautiful creature on Earth.
Playful illustrations and funny, rhyming text show readers all of the many ways we are linked to every big, small, hairy, slimy, snuggly, scaly, floppy, flappy, bristly, buzzy, beautiful creature on Earth.
36 pages, Hardcover
Published February 5, 2019
1 person is currently reading
1166 people want to read
About the author
Jason Gruhl
9 books24 followersJason Gruhl believes that all kids are smart, brave, kind, and creative, and he writes books to help them remember that. As an Author and Psychotherapist for children and adults, Jason is dedicated to making a difference in people's lives and to helping them realize their power and potential.
Jason is a former Special Educator and the former Executive Director and Founder of The Joshua School (a school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Boulder and Denver, Colorado). He holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (www.gruhlcounseling.com).
When not writing, Jason is addicted to scones, board games, reading, and sci-fi movies.
Jason is a former Special Educator and the former Executive Director and Founder of The Joshua School (a school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Boulder and Denver, Colorado). He holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (www.gruhlcounseling.com).
When not writing, Jason is addicted to scones, board games, reading, and sci-fi movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 26, 2019
This is kind of a neat book, although I think the title may have missed the mark a little bit. The basic premise is that you are connected to everything, so while the title isn't necessarily inaccurate, it doesn't quite reflect what most of the book is about.
The idea that we're all connected to the world around us is one I have seen in picture books before (though not very often). This book has some cute illustrations to drive home the point, including a line that travels across all the pages, interacting with some of the drawings it meets along the way. I liked this visual representation of connection.
The writing was a little weird for me, though. Most of the book is done in rhyme, and the meter is pretty good. But there are also some sections where the rhyme doesn't exist, and I thought those bits kind of interrupted the flow. There was also the implication that chicken pox was something created by people (it was included on the page of things humans have made), so that threw me a little. (I'm thinking maybe the author was in love with the rhyme at that point and couldn't come up with something else that would've fit seamlessly into the verse.)
Overall, though, this is an okay book about interconnectedness. I found it a little repetitive, and there's no mention of how things are connected (this was apparently intentional, according to the author's note). Some kids may get bored reading what is essentially a rhyming list. But others may enjoy reading about all the things they're connected to. The illustrations are vibrant and colourful, and they emphasize the text nicely. It might be a little esoteric for some, but the intention in writing this book seems to have been a good one, and you can feel that as you read through the pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bala Kids for providing a digital ARC.
The idea that we're all connected to the world around us is one I have seen in picture books before (though not very often). This book has some cute illustrations to drive home the point, including a line that travels across all the pages, interacting with some of the drawings it meets along the way. I liked this visual representation of connection.
The writing was a little weird for me, though. Most of the book is done in rhyme, and the meter is pretty good. But there are also some sections where the rhyme doesn't exist, and I thought those bits kind of interrupted the flow. There was also the implication that chicken pox was something created by people (it was included on the page of things humans have made), so that threw me a little. (I'm thinking maybe the author was in love with the rhyme at that point and couldn't come up with something else that would've fit seamlessly into the verse.)
Overall, though, this is an okay book about interconnectedness. I found it a little repetitive, and there's no mention of how things are connected (this was apparently intentional, according to the author's note). Some kids may get bored reading what is essentially a rhyming list. But others may enjoy reading about all the things they're connected to. The illustrations are vibrant and colourful, and they emphasize the text nicely. It might be a little esoteric for some, but the intention in writing this book seems to have been a good one, and you can feel that as you read through the pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bala Kids for providing a digital ARC.
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February 25, 2019I read this to our pre-K and kindergarten students and they were riveted. I really appreciated the opportunity to have a conversation about connection. There were a lot of giggles and some wide eyes when the children contemplated being connected...even to bad things. That will need a savvy ready to explain a bit but I like that there is room for that. The illustrations are a lot of fun. We have it face out on the shelf because it's just a really good looking book.
March 3, 2019
"Everything is Connected" delivers a powerful, universal message, in a playful and spontaneous way. Gruhl’s words are light and effervescent, and ripe with meaning and density. Font’s illustrations are dreamlike and exciting; a perfect accompaniment to the text. This book is a timely reminder of the interconnectedness humans share with all things. It gives the reader, whether they are an adult or a child, a sense of empowerment. It reminds us that it is our responsibility to actively participate in the world as a compassionate being. I highly recommend this book for you, your child, or your child-at-heart.
July 17, 2018
*I received a digital review copy from Edelweiss Plus & the publisher *
I absolutely loved reading this book! The author does an excellent job at showing the reader how they're connected to everything in the world - from people to plants to all the good and bad. This book is an excellent opener to explaining to kids how we're all connected and the neat way that science works. The art is also fantastic and does a really great job in aiding the story along. This book is perfect for ages 4-8.
I absolutely loved reading this book! The author does an excellent job at showing the reader how they're connected to everything in the world - from people to plants to all the good and bad. This book is an excellent opener to explaining to kids how we're all connected and the neat way that science works. The art is also fantastic and does a really great job in aiding the story along. This book is perfect for ages 4-8.
March 30, 2019
‘This is a magical story about the powerful idea that we are connected to absolutely everything in the universe.
Everything is connected.
And since you are part of everything,
you are connected to everything:
to pharaohs, Ben Franklin, T. Rex, ancient Greece, to love and to poverty, hunger and peace!’
Everything is Connected by Jason Gruhl & Ignasi Font is a cute book with quirky art that shows kids how we are all connected, to one another and everything else in the universe. It's written in amusing rhyme, making use of things kids find funny. The lessons in this little book are big. It leaves open to the possibility of a beneficial dialogue between child and caregivers. Exactly how everything is connected is never mentioned, leaving it open to interpretation.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Shambhala Publications for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Everything is connected.
And since you are part of everything,
you are connected to everything:
to pharaohs, Ben Franklin, T. Rex, ancient Greece, to love and to poverty, hunger and peace!’
Everything is Connected by Jason Gruhl & Ignasi Font is a cute book with quirky art that shows kids how we are all connected, to one another and everything else in the universe. It's written in amusing rhyme, making use of things kids find funny. The lessons in this little book are big. It leaves open to the possibility of a beneficial dialogue between child and caregivers. Exactly how everything is connected is never mentioned, leaving it open to interpretation.
***Many thanks to Netgalley & Shambhala Publications for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 25, 2023
Super cute, easy-to-read book. I'm buying this.
January 12, 2019
Previously an educator, author Jason Gruhl gives a wonderful philosophical exploration of humanity for kids in this exciting picture book. Illustrations by Spainish artist Ignasi Font add a level of dynamism to the story. Younger children can follow the thread across the pages to see for themselves that which connects us all and the importance. This is the perfect book to foster compassion, understanding and an empowering thought provoking text for your child. Perfect also for educators. This is definitely a must own.
February 28, 2019
The perfect classroom read-aloud! The cumulative playfulness of pointing out how the world is connected tumbles into laughter and understanding beyond the last page. Children will love to follow the rhythm and unexpectedness of things they are related to … blobfish, spoons, and dinosaurs, among many others. The illustrations are as entertaining as the text. They works in tandem to produce the promise that all children are centered and whole, a powerful message.
February 28, 2019
A wonderful book to begin teaching empathy and compassion, not to mention curiosity, from a very young age. Jason is a natural storyteller with a musical voice, and the whimsical, gently colored illustrations tie it all together. I bought this for my granddaughter and I'll be buying it for every children's birthday going forward!
March 25, 2019
I love the question this book makes the reader think about and states in the author note, “Why should we care about a child in Pakistan, the coral reefs in Australia, or a cow in China?” The author says these are the questions that came up for his students during his 20 years in education. This book is a fun, silly, delightful way to think of the many ways we are connected.
March 5, 2019
Really cool book, but if we’re truly all connected why is every person in this book white? A little diversity even on the page with the news anchors would have gone a long way to furthering an important message.
December 30, 2018
What a great way to remind readers of how we're all connected in this universe! The text is interesting and has a nice cadence when read aloud. Plus, it's varied in appearance so it's just FUN to read. The illustrations are great compliments to the text and further understanding of the story. You could spend a preview or pre-reading session just going over the visual features and guessing what they have in common and why they are all there. This book lends itself naturally to many extensions if it were to be used in an educational setting - and shouldn't be limited just to the obvious age group (which I would peg at kindergarten to second grade).
I received a digital copy of this book, and I have now added the physical copy to my Amazon wishlist for when it publishes! I'll also be adding it to our high school library's family reading shelves.
I received a digital copy of this book, and I have now added the physical copy to my Amazon wishlist for when it publishes! I'll also be adding it to our high school library's family reading shelves.
July 26, 2022
I like the arc of this journey: starting with the human body, moving to other humans (which is probably the most important point to make for little minds, that we are all connected to humans all over the globe who speak different languages, wear different clothes, and eat different foods), then moving on to animals (another VIP to encourage children to respect animals/do no harm), and the earth, including the pollution and trash and bad stuff humans have done. Being connected means all beings deserve respect; I don't think children need much training to understand and make this leap. The story gets giant, to all past and present and invisible things, and that you, reader, are powerful and perfect and whole. I wonder if this is too overwhelming for little people, or if they indeed feel empowered. I also appreciated the clever and specific rhyme throughout.
June 30, 2019
I expected this book to be a bit more science based. But as the author states at the end of the book, the /how/ we are connected is intentionally not included in the book.
Instead the book focuses on the fact that we as humans are inherently connected to all life and things created on Earth and in the galaxy without explaining either scientifically or religiously how any of it works.
Part of me wants there to be the how. Part of me is glad there isn't any how. I think if the author had outlined a specific how, there likely would have been backlash from those who believe in a different how.
Bottom line, this book and help open that conversation with your child as to the how, and help them to see their existence is not in a void, but part of a bigger world.
Instead the book focuses on the fact that we as humans are inherently connected to all life and things created on Earth and in the galaxy without explaining either scientifically or religiously how any of it works.
Part of me wants there to be the how. Part of me is glad there isn't any how. I think if the author had outlined a specific how, there likely would have been backlash from those who believe in a different how.
Bottom line, this book and help open that conversation with your child as to the how, and help them to see their existence is not in a void, but part of a bigger world.
May 28, 2019
Here is a book that wants you to think of all the way that Everything is Connected. From hedgehogs to T. rexes to nanobots, everything in the world is connected to you. It is left up to the reader to "discover" how.
On the whole, the illustrations were rather cute. A continuous line from page to page that forms the basis of the pictures that, themselves, have interweaving shapes. The rhyming text at times steps out of its foot and has to catch the cadence up on the next page.
Recommemded? Yes. Add to to my personal and very selective library of childrens book? No, I'll just borrow it from the library, if I ever hanker to read it again.
On the whole, the illustrations were rather cute. A continuous line from page to page that forms the basis of the pictures that, themselves, have interweaving shapes. The rhyming text at times steps out of its foot and has to catch the cadence up on the next page.
Recommemded? Yes. Add to to my personal and very selective library of childrens book? No, I'll just borrow it from the library, if I ever hanker to read it again.
March 3, 2024
This book explores the interconnectedness of the world around us. Through poetic storytelling, this book takes readers on a journey through nature, showing how every living thing is connected in a web of relationships and interactions. It encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of ecosystems, while also highlighting the importance of stewardship and conservation.
In the classroom, this book can be used for discussions about ecology, biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Teachers can use it to introduce students to key concepts in environmental science and to foster a sense of responsibility towards the natural world.
In the classroom, this book can be used for discussions about ecology, biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Teachers can use it to introduce students to key concepts in environmental science and to foster a sense of responsibility towards the natural world.
December 6, 2025
Recommended for careful readers, for families, and for other educators. The author (as he says in his author's note) deliberately leaves out the 'how' of the connections, leaving that as an exercise & exploration for the reader. Which is fine for some readers.
I, personally, wish it had stopped a few pages earlier than it had. Connecting us to the cosmos doesn't really make sense. I mean, sure, we've sent a few probes out, and even a few rovers on Mars, and radio signals... but space is so vast that's insignificant. And in the case of the reverse, most people don't give a moment's real thought to what's out there. (But ymmv.)
I, personally, wish it had stopped a few pages earlier than it had. Connecting us to the cosmos doesn't really make sense. I mean, sure, we've sent a few probes out, and even a few rovers on Mars, and radio signals... but space is so vast that's insignificant. And in the case of the reverse, most people don't give a moment's real thought to what's out there. (But ymmv.)
February 23, 2025
I only add Children's books I read as a kid, or that I genuinely recommend. This one made me tear up.
There's a page where it shows you're connected to Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and Moses, and shows all of them but Mohammed. Made me laugh out loud.
It tells kids that they're part of the badness of things though, and that's a gift to a child. To understand that they're part of the things in the world they can't stomach. It's the promise both God and Jesus make, and I feel adults forget that. It breeds maturity and compassion.
Also it says we're connected to UFOs too. So five stars.
There's a page where it shows you're connected to Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and Moses, and shows all of them but Mohammed. Made me laugh out loud.
It tells kids that they're part of the badness of things though, and that's a gift to a child. To understand that they're part of the things in the world they can't stomach. It's the promise both God and Jesus make, and I feel adults forget that. It breeds maturity and compassion.
Also it says we're connected to UFOs too. So five stars.
March 25, 2019
Reading this book is an activity, the claims that this and that are related and then further related is never proved but it may get you talking. In short, don't read this before bedtime or you both may be thinking too much to get good sleep.
I liked the mostly black pages with the bold or muted colors and the fact that the drawn details are not specific but more general for the same reason. My only "complaint" is that the pages sometimes proved difficult to flip from one to another.
I liked the mostly black pages with the bold or muted colors and the fact that the drawn details are not specific but more general for the same reason. My only "complaint" is that the pages sometimes proved difficult to flip from one to another.
March 14, 2025
Loved the cadence
Liked the illustrations
Disliked the font
Hated the last few pages
The end tells children, "you are the universe" and I hate the self centering ideology that makes each person the center of their world. Part of the beauty of the connectedness painted through most of the book is the communal aspect that is negated in the last few pages that teach you are this moment, you are the universe, etc. and it bothered me.
Liked the illustrations
Disliked the font
Hated the last few pages
The end tells children, "you are the universe" and I hate the self centering ideology that makes each person the center of their world. Part of the beauty of the connectedness painted through most of the book is the communal aspect that is negated in the last few pages that teach you are this moment, you are the universe, etc. and it bothered me.
October 4, 2018
We are connected to everything in the universe-- even the Blobfish! This book brilliantly illustrates just how far our connected consciousness goes, from the smallest atom to the furthest star. I absolutely adore the color palettes in the pictures, and the clever, witty rhymes! A fun book to read-aloud, or to admire the lovely art alone.
February 23, 2019
Beautifully written and illustrated with a great premise. Children understand so much more than we give them credit for. I believe that as I read this book to my children that they will understand so much more than it appears on the surface. A wonderful gift for a child/parent/family carrying a lasting message that can only make the world better. A good read.
May 12, 2019
“You’re not just a body. You’re bigger than that! You’re connected to people - to everybody ...”
You’re a part of everything around you ... other people, animals, to “stuff” humans have made, and to feelings, the past, the future ... the universe.
A simple story about being a part of something bigger than ourselves.
You’re a part of everything around you ... other people, animals, to “stuff” humans have made, and to feelings, the past, the future ... the universe.
A simple story about being a part of something bigger than ourselves.
December 4, 2019
Interesting concept, not particularly well executed. Might function better as an important reminder for grownups than as an engaging read aloud for littles.
(Reminds me a little of symphony of science's We Are All Connected, except that intentionally skews older and does some explaining too... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGK84... )
(Reminds me a little of symphony of science's We Are All Connected, except that intentionally skews older and does some explaining too... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGK84... )
February 15, 2022
I love thinking and writing about the connections between people and things, so I love this beautiful, fun, inspirational, and thought-provoking picture book about everything being connected! It's sure to spark interesting discussions about how we are connected to so many disparate things -- even blobfish. :)
October 16, 2025
This book uses lots of rhyming words that keep the readers attention. The pictures in this book allign throughout the story with the words on the page which make the words come more alive when reading them.
February 26, 2019
Beautiful book with a beautiful message. No matter your age, you will resonate with this book. A great reminder to us all that I am you and you are me, we are connected!
April 26, 2019
This is a very enjoyable book explaining how all things in the world are connected to one another.
May 2, 2019
This book had a good message but it felt teachy to me.
July 31, 2019
Don't mind me, just getting teary at work after reading this.
Also, shout-out to the blobfish for being the absolute star of this book/of planet earth in general.
Also, shout-out to the blobfish for being the absolute star of this book/of planet earth in general.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews