All You Need

by Howard Schwartz, Jasu Hu (Illustrator)

A little girl grows up to be an accomplished artist in this sumptuously illustrated book about the small things that lead to a rich and fulfilling life.

All You need
Is a planet to live on,
A sun to give you light,
And warmth…

In All You Need, poet Howard Schwartz’s graceful, deceptively simple text describes a handful of things anyone needs to live a rich and fulfilling life, made all the more potent by the illustrations of debut picture book artist Jasu Hu, who uses her talents to create a rich and powerful narrative describing her own journey, creative and otherwise, from a childhood in China to her arrival to study art in New York. Ultimately, she creates her own book, this book, a gift to her distant parents.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Family, Nature, Fiction, China

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

Howard Schwartz is Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is a prolific writer who has published fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. In searching for themes and images for his work in various genres, he has often found his inspiration in biblical, midrashic, and kabbalistic lore. Many of his works retell ancient folktales, reflecting his belief in the importance of passing cultural lore from one generation to the next. His poetry frequently reflects the dreamlike and mysterious elements of Jewish mythology.

Reviews

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Sorry we missed you the past few days – we had some family commitments that we couldn’t miss. To make it up to you, we have two special weekend reviews today and tomorrow! Our book today is All You Need, written by Howard Schwartz and illustrated by Jasu Hu, a beautiful ode to the simple necessities of life.

“All you need,” the spare verse begins, weaving a quiet contemplation of the things one needs for life. A planet, a warm sun, clouds to gather rains, trees to clean the air. Good food, fresh water, plenty of sleep. A land of welcome and people to watch over you. The freedom and ability to share your lovely thoughts and the beating heart to give you life. What a person truly needs is simple, really – life, love, health, and joy.

Beautiful. Schwartz and Hu do something rare here: telling two different stories through the text and art that weave together beautifully in theme and tone. Schwartz’s uncomplicated free verse poetry highlights the theme of simplicity, neatly choosing a list of needs that is both almost entirely accurate and evocative of emotion. The story Hu tells with the stunning watercolor artwork reflects the early life story of a young child in China, growing amongst beautiful scenery and loving family before striking out into adulthood, yet maintaining a connection to home. These elements all combine to tell a heartwarming story about life, connection, nature, culture, and love, and the result is breathtaking. The length is great for a storytime at any age, and JJ adored the dreamlike artwork and easy-to-read text. Overall, this one is an absolute work of art, and we loved it. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using spare, lyrical text, Schwartz explores the essential things that are needed to thrive and to have a happy and fulfilling life. He begins with a planet to live on, a sun for light and warmth, clouds for rain, seeds to grow, trees to clean the air, good food, a country that welcomes you, and someone to share your life with, words to share your thoughts, a hand to write down those thoughts and finally, a beating heart. In other words, we need connectivity to our world, to nature, and to other people, as well as knowing our place in it and having an appreciation for what the world gives us. What really brings text to life are the wonderful watercolor illustrations in which debut artist Jasu Hu has used her own life experience growing up in China and then moving to the United States. This kind of personalization is one of the reasons the the illustrations carry so much emotion in them. When I read this to my young readers, it generated a long discussion about what is important in their lives that make them feel happy and somewhat content. Sometimes I surprised by how sensitive my kids are, but many have experienced tough times in their short lives and a book like this really helps them see what can also bring happiness. We haven't gotten to the words to write down stage yet, but we are certainly at the words to verbally express our feelings stage. One of my young readers did notice that there ia a bird on each page and in the note by the illustrator, she writes that the swallow in Chinese culture "is a messenger that brings happiness and a symbol of homecoming." Interestingly, I've noticed a lot of birds in the drawings my young readers have done lately (they are encouraged to draw pictures based on what we read).

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review copy was provided by courtesy of Holiday House Publishing, Inc.

The art is phenomenal with watercolour paintings blended so beautifully, it depicts the countryside as such a hopeful, dreamy and cosy place to grow up. It is so magical, almost ethereal.

Jasu Hu‘s art truly complemented Howard Schwartz’s poem. While Howard’s poem was wise, reflecting on all we need in this world (aside from the obvious), it made Jasu remember and interpret it with her experience of growing up in Hunan. To think that such a simple, relatable poem would have inspired this, poetry sure does have an impact. Had I grown up having this book on my shelf, I’d be mesmerised and inspired by her art to begin a career in illustration.

Still, I wished others who do not read Mandarin would be able to fully experience this book. Perhaps it was made to be more intimate. Either way, here’s the best translation of my 6 years of Mandarin in primary school could give, it says:

“Beloved father and mother, I’m very happy, I finally found a new ‘home’.
Thinking of you
Zhong [name]"

[Genesee Rickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This illustrated poem is stunning. The artwork matches the themes and emotions of each page. The author wrote the poem but the artist interpreted the poem through her own life's journey, making this a particularly moving collaboration. The author/illustrator notes add depth of understanding to this collaboration. Be sure to note the swallow on each page! The watercolor illustrations glow and the last page is so touching. I hope everyone makes time for this heartfelt universal story about our basic needs.

Note: There are some ableist assumptions/phrases, such as "a hand to write those words down" that I interpreted as "a method to communicate."

The author is Jewish and his works have won many awards, and the illustrator is Chinese and whose work has also received accolades.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lovely! I got gentle eco vibes from the "all you need is trees to give you clean air" and seeds and fresh water pages. The illustrations are wonderfully soft watercolors. Definitely a warm-fuzzy comfort rather than a picture book with a linear story.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Kris Reguera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, lyrical, poem-like picture book with a universal story, about the essentials we all need. Water color illustrated♥️

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL YOU NEED is a poem by Howard Schwartz, gorgeously illustrated by Jasu Hu. The watercolor illustrations are definitely what grabbed me first. They glow with warm and reflect the poems message about the simple things you need as a human so well. I love the list. It has the basics, like air to breath and "plenty of sleep" but the last stanza of the poem is the heart. This is a book that will speak to us all.

[StoryTimeReadAloud · Rating 4 out of 5]

All you need was written originally as a poem and then brought to life as a picture book with the great, evocative paintings. There are two notes at the end of the book from the author and illustrator that I highly recommend.

This is an example of a picture book where the illustrations really encapsulate the story bringing greater richness and understanding of what is going on.

A little girl is born in China and we watch her grow, getting to experience things that are true needs--a planet to live on, sun, warmth, water, and more. Accompanying the girl on her journeys and adventures (and each page) is a swallow--a symbol of homecoming in China. The girl grows and her letters return as swallows to her parents.

The illustrations are done in watercolor and are gentle and soothing and quite beautiful. The text is not long (a few words on each page).

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle

A delightfully simple story that lists what humans need in splendid poetic style. Through the illustrations, the reader watches a life unfold. Jasu Hu pulls from her own life story and depicts her artistic journey, celebrating homecoming, happiness, and the cyclical nature of love and life.

Though it is simple, it is beautiful. In fact, the simplicity strengthens it. The book shows how little is needed and serves as a reminder to appreciate all those remarkable things that come together just right.

Through lively artwork that brings the words on the page to life, Schwartz and Hu create a lovely reminder of appreciation for life and its journeys. Absolutely beautiful.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply written in sparse text, this sweet story has deep insights that will touch your heart, expand your concept of your reality, and provide opportunities for layers of insight.

All you need is the essentials. The life essentials. The day-to-day, live on the Earth essentials. And these essentials are beautiful and a blessing.

The book is not a religious or spiritual publication but will surely touch your heart with the blessings you receive on a daily basis to simply exist.

I highly recommend this book. While it presents a glimpse into Chinese life, it is multi-cultural in that it is a life book.

Enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Chrissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

**This book is being considered as a nominee for next year’s Beehive Book Award for Children in Utah. My review reflects my thoughts as it pertains to that consideration.**

I believe this book was sent to the Beehive Committee as a publisher donation *checks notes* Yep. It was. Because there is no way in hell that we on the committee would choose this one for kids to vote on.

Yes, it's pretty. Yes, it conveys a message. Yes, it's culturally exotic (a concept known as these days as "diverse and inclusive"). But this is a picture book to impress adults. Not children. And that is why I can't recommend this book as a nominee for next year.

But it's probably got a good shot at the Caldecott Medal. Which is likely what the creators were going for. They are welcome to it.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the author's notes, he mentions that the text first came to him as a poem. That's how it came to me as I read it - like a poem or a prayer of gratitude. So many people in our world push the idea of what we "need" to survive such as a bigger house, nicer clothes, and more and more. But in reality, we need very little as long as we honor the gifts we have, especially from nature and others, and build things that we want from there. The illustrations are beautiful as they go through the life of one child and show how the things we need are around us to be appreciated.

[Elena L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In ALL YOU NEED, we follow a Chinese girl's journey to become an artist in an exciting land. This is a story that warms your heart in the beginning with scenes that feel too close to home. And as one pursues the dream, there is celebration mixed with the feeling of yearning home. With poetic illustrations and succinct sentences, this is a picture book to embrace and treasure.

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own ]

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificently illustrated picture book of a poem by Schwartz of the essential things we need in life illustrated by Jasu Hu with illustrations set in China. If you need poetry, multicultural, or books to support the study of wants and needs in your elementary, definitely add this one to your library.

I had to reread this book several times as it felt like a gift and I was trying to find more. There are afterword notes from both author and illustrator that are much appreciated.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart. This book is simply gorgeous. I love that it is "a universal story" (from the author's note) and is based on the illustrator's (Jasu Hu) childhood home and experiences as a young artist. I could look at this artwork for hours, it is that beautiful. I want to give this book to every person I know!

[Faith Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me with its simplicity. What I love is the symbiotic nature between the author’s story and the illustrator’s depictions. The illustrations filled in the stories between the lines and made me think of the personal memories that could be tucked between the lines. Truly just beautiful.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's simple really, all you need is a planet to live on, sunlight, rain, air, food, water, and a place to sleep. But, you also need a country where you are welcomed, someone to watch over you, language, and a beating heart. Beautiful illustrations enhance the text of this carefully worded musings.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening pages are "All you need is a planet to live on" and then the book progresses to show all the parts of the planet that are important to our survival and joy. Illustrations are soft, warm watercolors.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching picture book about a girl growing up with the support of her parents to follow her passions to wherever they may take her. Beautiful illustrations serve to illuminate the text in a way that makes the readers grow fonder.

[Tompkins County Public Library Youth Services]

Kelly’s Thoughts: I love how this beautiful picture book reminds me that the most basic things humans really need are the simplest things. The illustrations are warm and airy. The story - full of calm.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started with a young couple who were expecting a baby, and it follows their daughter through her childhood into adulthood. It talked about the physical things humans need to survive. But that doesn't mean much to me if my spiritual needs aren't also met.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Shira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated, perfect gift for a child in your life.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially beautiful illustrations.

[Shilpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collaboration of words and pictures. The water colors are simply stunning.

[Clementine · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely illustrations and incredibly sparse text

[BiblioBrandie]

Beautifully illustrated poem about all the things one needs to survive.

[Katie Flegal Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect example of a picture book that uses the words to create something so much bigger with the illustrations. This is a beautiful book.