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Light Speaks
Spare, lovely text and gorgeous, color-saturated illustrations make a compelling presentation. An enchanting picture book about the joyful, mysterious, awe-inspiring messages of light, whether emanating from a firefly or the sun, fireworks or the Big Bang, boats at sea or a bolt of lightning, a movie projector or a rainbow. Luciana Navarro Powell’s illustrations follow a group of kids through a magical day and evening in a seacoast town, while Christine Layton’s lyrical text explores the natural history of light. Backmatter provides further adventures in the science of light. color throughout
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 18, 2023
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
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May 7, 2023What a beautiful, poetic tribute to Light. The verbs– beaming, blazing, bursting, flaming, glaring, glittering, sparkling are like dazzling offerings to Light that lets us see what is important. The illustrations by Powell are glowing and brilliant like the words in the book. Highly recommend.
April 11, 2023
Fans of FLASH AND GLEAM: LIGHT IN OUR WORLD by Sue Fliess and Khoa Le might enjoy LIGHT SPEAKS. Christine Layton’s beautifully lyrical text and Luciana Navarro Powell’s luminous illustrations explore the many ways light can communicate, whether it’s telling us the distance between planets or helping an airplane safely land at night. A great STEM book for home or school libraries.
April 5, 2023
This is a stunning, lyrical, scientific picture book. The youngest listeners might just gaze at Navarro Powell's mesmerizing art. Older kids will listen to Layton's wonderful words and try to use the art to understand the meaning. The text on each spread is brief, so there's a bit of mystery to it. Depending on each child's existing science knowledge, a spread might make perfect sense or require a bit more investigation. Clear, concise back matter explanations will assist readers in understanding the implications of each spread.
What a wonderful exploration of a topic that every child is familiar with, but that they might not have though about too much. I love this book!
What a wonderful exploration of a topic that every child is familiar with, but that they might not have though about too much. I love this book!
April 3, 2023
This one truly glows. With gorgeous, poetic text, Layton shows readers the many ways light speaks to us, bringing it to life in a novel manner and making us care. Readers will visualize the many ways light interacts with our lives and will be absolutely mesmerized by the stunning illustrations. Wow. Backmatter transforms the lyrical text into in depth information for readers who want to learn more. Just delightful to read and share with little ones. I definitely recommend this one for school, home, and library.
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June 18, 2023See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/light-...
LIGHT SPEAKS is a lovely picture book that teaches about light. The book uses a poem to present ideas about the way that light works and the special place it holds in our lives. Lush illustrations complement the poetry, and the backmatter expands on these concepts with a bit more information about light.
What I loved: This is a really lovely and lush story, featuring a gentle poem that would work well for bedtime, while also presenting some educational concepts. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really make this a picture book to enjoy. Between the darkened illustrations and pages that turn quickly, this is definitely one that could work well for a settling down story at night. The backmatter brings the concepts of the poem into more clarity as it explains how these statements reflect the way that light works. Light is such a big part of all of our lives, and this book helps to teach children more about it - while also being enjoyed for the loveliness of the poem and imagery.
While the concepts may work best for elementary school aged readers, picture book lovers of all ages can enjoy this one. The pages turn quickly, with only a few lines on each, and the illustrations are lovely for all to enjoy. The font used is also clear throughout, making it easy to read aloud.
Final verdict: LIGHT SPEAKS is a lovely picture book with science themes as it teaches about light and the many ways that we can use it and enjoy it. With a fun poetic flow and lush images, this will work well for education and for bedtime.
LIGHT SPEAKS is a lovely picture book that teaches about light. The book uses a poem to present ideas about the way that light works and the special place it holds in our lives. Lush illustrations complement the poetry, and the backmatter expands on these concepts with a bit more information about light.
What I loved: This is a really lovely and lush story, featuring a gentle poem that would work well for bedtime, while also presenting some educational concepts. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really make this a picture book to enjoy. Between the darkened illustrations and pages that turn quickly, this is definitely one that could work well for a settling down story at night. The backmatter brings the concepts of the poem into more clarity as it explains how these statements reflect the way that light works. Light is such a big part of all of our lives, and this book helps to teach children more about it - while also being enjoyed for the loveliness of the poem and imagery.
While the concepts may work best for elementary school aged readers, picture book lovers of all ages can enjoy this one. The pages turn quickly, with only a few lines on each, and the illustrations are lovely for all to enjoy. The font used is also clear throughout, making it easy to read aloud.
Final verdict: LIGHT SPEAKS is a lovely picture book with science themes as it teaches about light and the many ways that we can use it and enjoy it. With a fun poetic flow and lush images, this will work well for education and for bedtime.
February 3, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from Tilbury House Publishers through NetGalley.
Readers see all the ways light communicates information. This child shares many types of lights and how they blink, shine, flash, etc. Informative text included at the end offers more facts about each light reference throughout the story. The artwork is highly detailed and readers can return to pages several times to see how light works. Terrific book for preschool and elementary level readers. A great read aloud to learn.
Readers see all the ways light communicates information. This child shares many types of lights and how they blink, shine, flash, etc. Informative text included at the end offers more facts about each light reference throughout the story. The artwork is highly detailed and readers can return to pages several times to see how light works. Terrific book for preschool and elementary level readers. A great read aloud to learn.
March 31, 2023
This picture book serves up a gentle but admiring tribute to light and all its wonders. Using minimal but meaningful text, it describes light as "dappled, glowing, and brilliant" (unpaged), even acknowledging that at times "light tells lies" (unpaged), but it also asks questions of its observers. The circular nature of the narrative, beginning and ending with the notion that light speaks to those who are willing to listen, lends a sense of liveliness to the text and allows the story to come full circle. The illustrations bloom with rich, evocative and moody colors, following youngsters and one adult as they explore the world around them with help from light. There's even a double-page spread depicting the Big Bang and what our universe looks like now. While the text has a dreamy, melodic quality to it, the back matter offers helpful additional facts about light, expanding on the brief lines that appear on each page. This book might be useful in a science lesson about the universe or about light. One thing is for sure, though; it certainly makes readers appreciate light in an entirely new way. Who among us hasn't heaved a sigh of relief after the ending of a long journey that concludes at a home where the lights are on as signs of welcome? As for me, I'm grateful to live in a place where the moon and stars are actually visible at night except when the sky is overcast.
February 21, 2023
Copy provided by NetGalley
"Christine Layton followed me on Twitter earlier this year. Before following her back, I checked her out and saw that she is a writer with a book publishing in a few months. Wouldn't you know it, NetGalley was offering an ARC. As I have said before, sometimes social media interactions work.
Light Speaks, by Christine Layton and illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell is a beautiful book, both visually and in its short, poetic text. It deals with the many ways humans experience light, beginning with the light that comes from the sun to wake us in the morning. It covers both natural light and humanmade. It would make a terrific read-aloud, both for a group but also one-to-one, with an adult who can talk about things like the satellites, lightening, and fireworks that appear in the book.
Light Speaks may end up being a gift for a child in the Gauthier family.
Book publishes April 18, 2023.
Review originally appeared at Original Content
"Christine Layton followed me on Twitter earlier this year. Before following her back, I checked her out and saw that she is a writer with a book publishing in a few months. Wouldn't you know it, NetGalley was offering an ARC. As I have said before, sometimes social media interactions work.
Light Speaks, by Christine Layton and illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell is a beautiful book, both visually and in its short, poetic text. It deals with the many ways humans experience light, beginning with the light that comes from the sun to wake us in the morning. It covers both natural light and humanmade. It would make a terrific read-aloud, both for a group but also one-to-one, with an adult who can talk about things like the satellites, lightening, and fireworks that appear in the book.
Light Speaks may end up being a gift for a child in the Gauthier family.
Book publishes April 18, 2023.
Review originally appeared at Original Content
February 16, 2023
What a brilliant way to approach all of the different aspects of light and how it gives us information! From the opening scene of how it tells us it's time to wake up to the ending scene of a joyful rainbow and setting sun, it's gorgeous. The magic is created through the use of spare, poetic text that doesn't talk down to kids. Instead, it makes them think about what's going on in the illustrations, what they're actually seeing and understanding. It's an excellent exercise in visual literacy. Plus, there's clear, concise back matter that adds more information about specific scenes. Kids can check to see if their interpretations are in line with what the author and illustrator intended. Or perhaps they'll come up with their own new insights. I think this book would make a terrific bedtime story (with its luminous depictions of nighttime scenes) for home, or as an engaging educational tool in the classroom.
February 19, 2023
Lyrical text paired with gorgeous illustrations make this a beautiful and thought-provoking book. The book showcases both artificial and natural sources of light, and shares different ways we use light to communicate and how we can use light to gather information about stars, planets, and galaxies. The backmatter goes into more scientific detail about the main text, explaining about light waves and light years, which is really helpful.
LIGHT SPEAKS is a great discussion starter about what light is, its many uses, and what we can learn from it. It's a fantastic way to have kids stop and think about things that we see everyday- traffic lights, streetlights, lit windows from homes- and then think about the bigger things- space, galaxies, time. Would be a great read at bedtime or in the classroom.
LIGHT SPEAKS is a great discussion starter about what light is, its many uses, and what we can learn from it. It's a fantastic way to have kids stop and think about things that we see everyday- traffic lights, streetlights, lit windows from homes- and then think about the bigger things- space, galaxies, time. Would be a great read at bedtime or in the classroom.
April 25, 2023
The illustrations in Light Speaks are stunning. As an illustrator I know how hard it can be to capture light and Luciana Navarro Powell has done so beautifully! She captures the mesmerizing magic of sunrise, stars scattered across the night sky, fireflies, bonfires, movies, and more. I love how seamlessly the illustrations and text work together. The design of this book is top notch! I love how amidst all the beauty this book highlights, it also quietly introduces the problem of light pollution. The back matter provides additional information about light as well as light pollution. This is a lovely book!
May 23, 2023
"Light Speaks" by Luciana Navarro Powell is a captivating and visually stunning picture book that beautifully celebrates the power of light in our world. With vibrant illustrations and poetic language, Powell takes readers on a journey through different settings, from city streets to natural landscapes, showcasing how light can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary moments. The book not only educates young readers about the science of light but also inspires them to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds them every day. "Light Speaks" is a delightful and enchanting read that will leave both children and adults mesmerized by the magic of light.
April 21, 2023
Absolutely magnificent and a pure joy to read! Layton's text hits just the right notes, lyrically inspiring awe and wonder while imparting just enough information to make you really stop, think, and take it all in. And Powell's illustrations are both gorgeous and instructive, beautifully illustrating the concepts alluded to in the text. Backmatter completes the package by explaining and expanding on the ideas presented in the main body. Readers will want to return to this one again and again, gaining new understanding and appreciation each time. Highly recommended!
May 9, 2023
Light Speaks by Christine Layton and illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell is a beautiful ode to light and its vast capacity, all around us - sometimes scary, mostly amazing and always wondrous. Written in spare and beautiful prose, this book encourages us to look around and marvel at all the ways light speaks to us. The illustrations emphasize the light round us as it shines through a dark, yet reassuring, palette. Back matter offers clear and accessible elaboration on topics touched on in the text. This is a beautiful picture book.
June 17, 2023
Light in all its simplicity and layered complexity is the subject of this lyrical children’s book. From the stars and sun to headlights and flashlights, the word catalog the many uses and examples of light. The luminous illustrations add a story layer of kids have outdoor adventures and glow with the light they depict. I’d recommend this book anytime of year because it’s light theme fits so many units, stem themes and Storytime ideas, but it does lend itself well to summertime with camping, beach time, and firefly chasing all depicted in the illustrations.
August 3, 2023
Christine Layton’s beautiful language reads like a poem of praise to one of Earth’s most essential elements—light. The senstive, impressionistic art and engagingly drawn characters illustrate all the ways we see light, both human and nature-generated. Light becomes both metaphor and concrete life-giving force, as the book invites readers to connect with their own experiences as well as engage their imaginations. I look forward to reading this to my preschoolers and then inviting them to share recollections of light in their own lives!
April 8, 2024
From Amazon:
An enchanting picture book about the joyful, mysterious, awe-inspiring messages of light, whether emanating from a firefly or the sun, fireworks or the Big Bang, boats at sea or a bolt of lightning, a movie projector or a rainbow. Luciana Navarro Powell’s illustrations follow a group of kids through a magical day and evening in a seacoast town, while Christine Layton’s lyrical text explores the natural history of light. Backmatter provides further adventures in the science of light.
An enchanting picture book about the joyful, mysterious, awe-inspiring messages of light, whether emanating from a firefly or the sun, fireworks or the Big Bang, boats at sea or a bolt of lightning, a movie projector or a rainbow. Luciana Navarro Powell’s illustrations follow a group of kids through a magical day and evening in a seacoast town, while Christine Layton’s lyrical text explores the natural history of light. Backmatter provides further adventures in the science of light.
October 23, 2024
Not sure where to put this book because reading it through the lens of a children’s librarian, I don’t think this would be a book students gravitate to checking it on their own. Reading it through my educator lens, this could be used as a read-aloud during a unit on light. And in reading it through the lens of an adult who appreciates picture books, it definitely has a place in the reading life of adults. I’ll probably pass on adding this to the library collection, but will add it to my list of “picture books for lessons.”
March 8, 2023
In LIGHT SPEAKS, readers will find plenty to discover in the stunning illustrations, and the lyrical text will spark curiosity, discussion, and questions. Many forms of light are explored, and the author is able to raise important questions, i.e. about light pollution, that gives layers to this book. Back Matter gives more details and context to the main text. A highly appealing, beautiful exploration of light.
March 30, 2023
Wow! This book is gorgeous. I had to linger on every page to take in Layton's brilliant poetry and Navarro Powell's stunning art. This is a book about light, and all the ways it touches our lives and connects us to the universe beyond. The pairing of art and text is pitch perfect--the two combine to sweep the reader away on a meditative quest to understand the elusive and evocative concept of light.
April 19, 2023
This is a great book for teachers, parents, grandparents, to stimulate and capture a child’s imagination. The beautiful writing and illustrations will draw children into the world of science in an entertaining and thought provoking way. I especially liked the afterward, which gives greater insight into the properties of light covered in the imaginative writing. The illustrations are gorgeous! It’s a must have book for all those interested in promoting science education for children.
April 22, 2023
What a fascinating approach Christine Layton has taken in this lovely picture book. The lyrical text moves you forward with Light's story, but is, at the same time, thought-provoking. There is much here that can be explored with children, like the spread, "Once in a while, without meaning to, and without words, light tells lies." Luciana Navarro Powell's beautiful illustrations are child-friendly, yet sophisticated. A wondrous book all around.
August 3, 2023
A dreamy picture book about thedazzling, mysterious, awe-inspiring messages of light, whether from a firefly or the sun, fireworks or the Big Bang, boats at sea or a bolt of lightning, a movie projector or a rainbow. Luciana Navarro Powell’s illustrations follow a group of kids through a magical day and evening in a seacoast town, while Christine Layton’s lyrical text explores the natural history of light.
February 23, 2023
LIGHT SPEAKS is a beautifully written, lyrical story that explores the various aspects of light and how it affects people and wildlife. The sparse text leaves a lot of room for children to explore the illustrations in each scene. The artwork is stunning and pairs well with the story. This is a must have for children’s nonfiction lovers.
March 28, 2023
A beautiful and poetic exploration of the sources and uses of light. The spare lyrical text, brought to life with gorgeous illustrations, explains how natural and artificial light affects our lives and touches on the important issue of light pollution. STEM links are further developed in the back matter.
April 7, 2023
What a gorgeous book. I love how Layton's lyrical text asks momentous questions (Are we all the same?) while Navarro Powell's stunning illustrations give us answers and beyond. Both ethereal and informative, LIGHT SPEAKS introduces young readers to (and reminds the more experienced ones of ) the wonders of our universe. So good!
April 25, 2023
Gorgeous, immersive, engaging! Too often, our children lack the experience of being outside after dark. This lovely picture book takes the reader into an enchanting world of darkness where light takes on a whole new meaning. Beautiful, engrossing artwork complements the spare, lovely text. So perfect for sharing with a child!
April 29, 2023
While explaining what light is, how it works, and the many ways we see and interpret it, the art shows just how beautiful, captivating, and infinite light can be. From tiny fireflies talking to exploding stars in space.
Nonfiction back matter gives us more info on all the topics touched on throughout the text. Great science book for elementary students.
Nonfiction back matter gives us more info on all the topics touched on throughout the text. Great science book for elementary students.
April 20, 2023
Just received 3 books for the grandkids , wish I would have gotten one for myself .
Beautifully illustrated and the story is peaceful and thought provoking . Highly recommended for children and adults alike …….. Nice job by the author and illustrator , will look for future works from them both !
Beautifully illustrated and the story is peaceful and thought provoking . Highly recommended for children and adults alike …….. Nice job by the author and illustrator , will look for future works from them both !
April 27, 2023
A lyrical celebration of light in its many forms, from a signaling flashlight to the origins of the universe. Backmatter provides facts to explain the spare main text. And the illustrations are also lovely!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews