In Between

by April Pulley Sayre, Jeff Sayre

We all go through awkward, unsteady phases—even animals! Award-winning author and photographer April Pulley Sayre shines a light on nature’s in-between moments in this relatable nonfiction picture book.

Newly hatched, but not ready to fly. Eager to explore, but not ready to leave mama’s side. No longer a tadpole, but not ready to leap from water onto land. Animals, just like people, can find themselves in awkward in-between stages. How do we get out of the in-betweens? With patience and time—and sometimes a little push! Join celebrated author-photographer April Pulley Sayre for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into nature’s in-between moments.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction, Nature, Poetry, Photography, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

April Pulley Sayre was an award-winning children’s book author of over 55 natural history books for children and adults. Her read-aloud nonfiction books, known for their lyricism and scientific precision, have been translated into French, Dutch, Japanese, and Korean. She is best known for pioneering literary ways to immerse young readers in natural events via creative storytelling and unusual perspectives.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love nearly every April Palley Sayre book. Beautiful photographs, and simple words

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite! Bittersweet! A beautiful ode to life in the "in between" places, with all the insecurities and awkwardness and humor. April Pulley Sayre died in 2021 leaving us with such beautiful, life-affirming picture books. This one in particular seems like precious gift to her fans and fellow earth-lovers.

[Erin]

This was a bit surreal. The photos are breathtaking, the poetry poignant. Reading an author's work after their death is an odd experience. But Sayre left a pretty amazing legacy of photography and poetry.

Note: Sayre does not live in Michigan, but lives near its border and works and vacations there enough to mention it on her website.

[Lisa Yee Swope · Rating 5 out of 5]

My former pastor used to say we live between the already and the not-yet. Some things have been completed, some we know will happen, but right now we're just in between. These glorious animal photos and the poetically spare text explain visually to kids (and people) that now is not always the answer. Sometimes we have to wait because we are in between.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The loss of April Pulley Sayre is one I feel deeply. For as long as I have been a children's librarian, I have looked forward to her books. The remarkable detail and intimacy with which she was able to capture a subject leaves me speechless. Her text reads like poetry. This book, published posthumously, is no exception. A great read aloud for the animal obsessed or the quiet kids. This book, with its incredible photographs of the natural world, shines.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book. It is pure poetry, but reads like a picture book, a wonderful begging to be read aloud picture book. Photographs of animals of all kinds are paired with lovely text about the in betweens in life. How awkward and disconcerting they are, but also how incredibly universe. It is beautiful.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a hard sell on photo-illustrated picture books, but this one is outstanding. So poetic and full of delightful little details.

[Nancy Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, detailed nature photography and simple, affirming text. Loved this!

[Angie Counsell · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could give a half a star I would. I loved the illustrations in this book - all of them fit with the words of the poem well and depicted animals, usually in the middle of doing something. They could be mid-flight, mid-step, or even mid-transformation. The thing that brought it down for me was the readability of some of the pages - the color font was hard to see or the location or direction of the words were not intuitive. A little thing, yes, but something that I look at in picture books.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For anyone walking the uncertain path between endings and new beginnings,” reads Sayre’s thoughtful dedication. Illustrated by the authors’ beautiful nature photography, the poetic text explores all the places in between as we grow through the process of life, offering a sense of serenity and well-being to those dealing with uncertainty—even as Sayre herself was facing the great In-Between of death.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photographs in this book are extraordinary!

Sometimes you are in between...in between two rocks, in between meals, in between the inside and the outside, in between flying and landing, in between sleeping and waking. Sayre illustrates this with the most remarkable photographs of animals in between. I loved this!

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a perfect book to take the words off the page and read them and recognize them for their discussion of what it's like to be in between - both literally and in a mental capacity. Then go back and read it and appreciate the amazing photographs. April and Jeff Sayre have given us another gem to treasure.

[Great Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features beautiful photographs of various animals. The animals are doing relatable human things where we are "in between". In between moving, trips, meals, and feelings. Great book to introduce animals and being in a state of "in between". Reviewer 25

[Kelly]

Shoot, I almost teared up just reading the dedication. This book was perfect though. And if I had gotten a picture of a deer sticking its tongue out, I would use that in a book as well. What a perfect shot! The photos are gorgeous and well described, and the text is poetic.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

RIP April, and thank you, Jeff for this gorgeous book; it honors her memory. Yes, it's not just kids who are trying to grow up, or middle children... all of us can benefit from remembering that Not Yet and Almost are just fine.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise for a book…in between, with real animal photos.

[Binxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photography is AMAZING! And the text just right to prompt thought and discussion. It might be a bit long for preschool groups, but lends itself to 4+ kids in a group setting.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos, as always.

[Y.Poston]

A gorgeous book of nature photography

[Terri Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

NF using directional words like in-between and almost. Beautiful Photos.

Teach: directional words

[Josie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered this book on the New Book Shelf at the library. Beautiful April Pulley Sayre work.

[Kelsey Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute animal pictures with a life lesson I needed now.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Beautiful! One of the loveliest picture books I’ve ever read. Poetically philosophical text married with amazing photographic art. Get yourself a copy. You won’t be sorry.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photography. Shows awkwardness of animals in between and encourages continuation.

[Danielle Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful nature photography, accompanied with poetic words, showing children how nature is full of growth and change, just likes their little lives.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animals shown "in between" both physical locations, growth stages, and states of being with poignant text accompanying.

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such gorgeous, stunning photographs to remind us of the majesty, complexity, and yes, sometimes humor, of the natural world.

[Lilian Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute. I liked all the different animals they included in the book. It also had a nice message to tie it all together.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs of a great variety of species; however, I wished the author had included an identification list in the back, identifying the animals/species for the curious reader.