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All About Nothing
An artful picture book exploration of negative space and the beauty of nothingness. This mindful meditation encourages children to see the world differently.
Nothing is really something! What might be hidden in the space around things, and how is that space important? In art, this is known as negative space, but “nothing” can be thought of more broadly—as free time during the day or the space between people. When we allow ourselves a moment of nothingness, we make room for creativity and so much more.
Nothing is really something! What might be hidden in the space around things, and how is that space important? In art, this is known as negative space, but “nothing” can be thought of more broadly—as free time during the day or the space between people. When we allow ourselves a moment of nothingness, we make room for creativity and so much more.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 4, 2023
About the author
Elizabeth Rusch
34 books72 followersELIZABETH RUSCH is an award-winning book author, magazine writer, editor, writing teacher and speaker. Her wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches her fancy. She is inspired by stories of exploration and discovery, stories that have been overlooked by history, and stories that grapple with persistent questions. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction for children or adults or teaching workshops, she hopes her work opens doors, opens minds, opens possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
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July 22, 2023يعرض الكتاب مفهوم الفراغ أو اللاشيء بشكل مختلف ومثير للاهتمام. من الكتب الذكية المفيدة للأطفال(والبالغين كذلك!) وهي وإن لم تكن تعبر عن قيمة أخلاقية معينة فهي تعين الفرد على أن يفكر بشكل مختلف، وتوسع مداركه، وتساعده ليرى الأمور من زاوية أكثر ابداعًا وفطنة.
December 22, 2022
Thank you so much Netgalley, Elizabeth Rusch and Elizabeth Goss for the ARC! It is, without a doubt, one of my most favorite reads of 2022. Who knew the concept of nothingness can be explained so gently and intellectually at the same time?
Nothing exists in the moment before a penalty is taken. Nothing exists when our friends arrange a big surprise and we are so overwhelmed with joy that it renders us speechless. Nothingness gives us the opportunity to be in tune with our souls.
What a wonderful way to teach the youngsters that the absence of something isn't always a bad thing. Rather, it's essential to make our lives meaningful. I'm glad I got to read it. The book made my heart full and I think adults need to read this book as much as the young readers do. When we grow up, we tend to forget how important negative space can be. The narration is captivating and the illustrations are marvelous too. They complement the texts perfectly. Love, Love, Love it. Highly recommended!
Nothing exists in the moment before a penalty is taken. Nothing exists when our friends arrange a big surprise and we are so overwhelmed with joy that it renders us speechless. Nothingness gives us the opportunity to be in tune with our souls.
What a wonderful way to teach the youngsters that the absence of something isn't always a bad thing. Rather, it's essential to make our lives meaningful. I'm glad I got to read it. The book made my heart full and I think adults need to read this book as much as the young readers do. When we grow up, we tend to forget how important negative space can be. The narration is captivating and the illustrations are marvelous too. They complement the texts perfectly. Love, Love, Love it. Highly recommended!
August 12, 2022
This might be a children's book, but it's an unexpectedly profound read about the concept and abstractness of nothing. I love its message about nothing being everywhere and how it's not necessarily a bad thing despite the negative connotation. The illustrations are vivid and really complement what the book is trying to convey.
This is a very unique take on mindfulness that will change how your view the world. Highly recommended for all ages!
Thank you Charlesbridge Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
This is a very unique take on mindfulness that will change how your view the world. Highly recommended for all ages!
Thank you Charlesbridge Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
November 14, 2022
Within such brief pages, the book explored such an expansive concept, and did so in an absolute, consummate manner.
The book explores the main essence of nothingness and how it plays out in our lives and is all around us. (It made me think of mathematics at one point. How whether we accept or deny it, it's always there somewhere. If not eminent, then there in the nooks and crannies.)
This book is a wonderful representation of the balance of nothingness.
P.s: I especially loved the references made through art, and it was an insightful read for me as an artist too.
The book explores the main essence of nothingness and how it plays out in our lives and is all around us. (It made me think of mathematics at one point. How whether we accept or deny it, it's always there somewhere. If not eminent, then there in the nooks and crannies.)
This book is a wonderful representation of the balance of nothingness.
P.s: I especially loved the references made through art, and it was an insightful read for me as an artist too.
October 21, 2022
Thank you Chalresbridge Press for the advanced electronic review copy of this wonderful book. This simple, yet deceptively profound book discusses the idea of nothing through concepts of negative space and feelings of loneliness. It encourages the reader to think about and look at nothing in a whole new light. Pure genius! Can’t wait to share this wonder with all the children in my life.
November 3, 2022
This picture book introduces the concept of negative space in art and the reality of "nothing" as a force in our everyday lives. Although most people assume that picture books are only for young children, this one is suitable for a broad age range. It would be helpful for an art classroom, and also has an emotional component that people will find helpful for introducing mindfulness concepts.
I received a temporary digital copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a temporary digital copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2023
The art in this book is FANTASTIC. The cut paper illustrations are gorgeous and add so much meaning to the text. I especially loved the message of mindfulness & meditation. It's a beautiful book with a meaningful message.
April 7, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for the ARC of this!
What an interesting look at negative space for young children. My 6 and 9 year old enjoyed it and learned something new. The art being made of cut paper was so neat.
What an interesting look at negative space for young children. My 6 and 9 year old enjoyed it and learned something new. The art being made of cut paper was so neat.
August 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: April 2023
I LOVE books like this, that introduce high concepts to children in a very easy-to-understand way. This one especially touched me because I am a mother who has made it my mission to ALWAYS GIVE my daughter to option to say no, and when she is stuck in a situation where she must do something but doesn't want to, I often tell her that she can do nothing for a bit until she's ready. Doing nothing is also a choice she has and it's a good one!
This book introduces the concept of nothing as a beautiful exploration of zen for children. The illustrations are perfect with the use of color and cutouts (seemingly) to illustrate the point. This, to me, is SUCH a powerful concept and this book is a perfect introduction.
Pub Date: April 2023
I LOVE books like this, that introduce high concepts to children in a very easy-to-understand way. This one especially touched me because I am a mother who has made it my mission to ALWAYS GIVE my daughter to option to say no, and when she is stuck in a situation where she must do something but doesn't want to, I often tell her that she can do nothing for a bit until she's ready. Doing nothing is also a choice she has and it's a good one!
This book introduces the concept of nothing as a beautiful exploration of zen for children. The illustrations are perfect with the use of color and cutouts (seemingly) to illustrate the point. This, to me, is SUCH a powerful concept and this book is a perfect introduction.
January 6, 2023
Really fascinating concept for both children and adults alike. I really loved the use of bold colours + the absence of colour to represent "nothing". Very clever and mind-opening.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2023
The book 'All About Nothing' by Elizabeth Rusch and illustrated by Elizabeth Goss is a courageous attempt to introduce the deep philosophical notion of emptiness or nothingness to young readers in a way they may comprehend. They do it through terse sentences and plenty of large pictures — all of them illustrating the concept clearly. They promise that the book would make the readers see the world in a different way, and they are not wrong. Just to give you a hint, among the various examples that the authors present, you will find the space between people in a crowd and the space between leaves and branches of a tree. In most of the cases, the space itself forms interesting pattern and image, which is perceptible though not tangible. Just by a simple change in perspective, our comprehension of the outside world expands manifold as we are not only appreciating the distinct and obvious objects around us — something we have been doing till now — but also appreciating the various patterns and forms which simply ‘do not exist’ or rather we had been ignoring till now. If you are still having difficulty understanding what am I talking about then let me illustrate the idea with another example. In your school homework you must have made several artworks by cutting and pasting. You took a colour paper, cut out a pattern and pasted it on your drawing book or plain white drawing sheet. You used several colour papers and the result was an artwork in collage. Now, take a look at the leftover portions of the colour paper. Note the emptiness in the portion where you cut your piece. Although there is emptiness, there is also a definite form.
The success of the book will depend on the parent or the teacher who will read and explain the book to the child. As in the case of several other books that I have reviewed, here also a lot depends on the storytelling skills of the elder reader. The book opens doors to imagination and new ideas and is certainly unique in its theme and content. The only negative comment I have is regarding the book cover which could have been more colourful and interesting.
The success of the book will depend on the parent or the teacher who will read and explain the book to the child. As in the case of several other books that I have reviewed, here also a lot depends on the storytelling skills of the elder reader. The book opens doors to imagination and new ideas and is certainly unique in its theme and content. The only negative comment I have is regarding the book cover which could have been more colourful and interesting.
August 15, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Charles Bridge for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC).
I gave this lovely children's book a four out of five stars.
First impressions from seeing the cover and reading the description:
The cover of 'All About Nothing' is simple but bold. There is a child on the cover holding their hands up in front of them, creating a heart with their fingers. There is no colour in the frame of their hands, nothing. I think that this cover would easily attract young children to picking it up in a school, home or library setting. An adult would happily pick the book as a gift or learning tool for a kid they know and care about.
The book description was done really well, explaining what nothing is and leading into the story with no lack of communication.
After reading the whole book my opinion is that any child, of any gender would enjoying this more than once.
The illustrations were tidy and creative and went startlingly well with the story.
I really enjoyed the premise because it's not something that's been done before.
The kind of people I would recommend this book to are children between the ages of 2-7 and/or parents and teachers.
As an afterthought, I would like to say that I really liked the silhouette style to the art.
What a great read, thank you again!
I gave this lovely children's book a four out of five stars.
First impressions from seeing the cover and reading the description:
The cover of 'All About Nothing' is simple but bold. There is a child on the cover holding their hands up in front of them, creating a heart with their fingers. There is no colour in the frame of their hands, nothing. I think that this cover would easily attract young children to picking it up in a school, home or library setting. An adult would happily pick the book as a gift or learning tool for a kid they know and care about.
The book description was done really well, explaining what nothing is and leading into the story with no lack of communication.
After reading the whole book my opinion is that any child, of any gender would enjoying this more than once.
The illustrations were tidy and creative and went startlingly well with the story.
I really enjoyed the premise because it's not something that's been done before.
The kind of people I would recommend this book to are children between the ages of 2-7 and/or parents and teachers.
As an afterthought, I would like to say that I really liked the silhouette style to the art.
What a great read, thank you again!
August 21, 2022
This picture book discusses the idea of nothing, as in beginnings and ends, negative space and feelings of loneliness. The illustrations are really neat, they look 3D because of the use of negative space and seem like they are made of overlapping pieces. The images are mainly black and white with a light coloured background, or vice versa; light coloured with black on a white background. Some of the images remind me of optical illusions and I could see the visuals paired with the text being a great discussion starter. I think this book would be great for art class, both because of the concepts covered as well as the illustrations being a good mentor or inspiration piece. As a grade 3 teacher, I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the 5-9 age range. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
October 30, 2022
I absolutely loved this children's book (perfect for adults too!) which teaches how important "nothingness" is in every aspect of our lives. Without the nothing (negative space) surrounding the something, we wouldn't be able to see or distinguish anything. Without the nothing (quiet) that follows our busyness, we wouldn't be able to think, rest, refresh and restore ourselves. Without the pieces of silence in music, it would just sound like noise. This little book challenges our perceptions and reminds us how important it is to have and be grateful for the nothingness in our lives!
My thanks to Charlesbridge for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this children's book via NetGalley. It is scheduled to be published on April 4, 2023. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
My thanks to Charlesbridge for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this children's book via NetGalley. It is scheduled to be published on April 4, 2023. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
August 18, 2022
I enjoyed reading All About Nothing! This book deals with the concept of negative space, which as artists, we use purposefully and often for emphasis. Negative space is a confusing concept, how are you supposed to see something that's not there? This book uses paper cuttings in its illustrations to demonstrate negative space, whether in art, around us, or as the actual space surrounding everything and all of us. I think this book is a good introduction to the idea, but I think it would be good in a learning environment to demonstrate more examples of negative space in art or nature as well to get the point home. Over all, I did really like All About Nothing and will definitely use it in my classroom.
August 19, 2022
Clever depictions of "Nothing" and negative space delight and enchant in this paper-cut picture book.
In All About Nothing, Elizabeth Rusch and Elizabeth Goss describe the artistic explore concept of negative space and the concept of "nothing" or "space in beautiful illustrations and sparse text, from the space behind a child about to dive from a diving board to a yawning space behind a lonely child. Negative space (and nothingness) is a difficult concept to grasp and this book would make a wonderful teaching aid.
But this book isn't just for art teachers, as it is a wonderful read-aloud all on its own. I have rarely seen this topic be so vividly described and drawn so well and I am excited to add it to my collection!
In All About Nothing, Elizabeth Rusch and Elizabeth Goss describe the artistic explore concept of negative space and the concept of "nothing" or "space in beautiful illustrations and sparse text, from the space behind a child about to dive from a diving board to a yawning space behind a lonely child. Negative space (and nothingness) is a difficult concept to grasp and this book would make a wonderful teaching aid.
But this book isn't just for art teachers, as it is a wonderful read-aloud all on its own. I have rarely seen this topic be so vividly described and drawn so well and I am excited to add it to my collection!
March 18, 2023
The art BLOWS MY MIND. Because…it’s cut paper. All of it. How? HOW? Not just the shapes, but also the black outlines? I’m predicting right now that this is going up for a Caldecott next year. The Caldecott is all about the art, and I’ve not seen something this stunning in a long time.
The idea of the book is simple enough: highlighting how negative space grabs attention, makes art, and gives comfort, among other things. It’s a quick read, but has some pretty clever bits.
This feels great for a library or classroom read, especially if paired with a cut paper craft afterward.
Advanced reader copy provided by publisher.
The idea of the book is simple enough: highlighting how negative space grabs attention, makes art, and gives comfort, among other things. It’s a quick read, but has some pretty clever bits.
This feels great for a library or classroom read, especially if paired with a cut paper craft afterward.
Advanced reader copy provided by publisher.
December 20, 2023
A philosophically-provocative book about the meaning of nothing, in visual, auditory, physical, and emotional space. In music and art, negative space is not only part of the meaning of positive images and sounds; it can be considered as having its own shape, defined by the contours of the positive. We are also invited to consider nothingness in itself as fecund, not as absence but as infinite possibility. Finally, nothingness can mean a space of mental and emotional rest and restoration. Children could be invited to look for nothing or emptiness in each of the senses, in feeling, and in thought and consider their potential value.
April 2, 2023
This might be a children's book, but Elizabeth Rusch talks about nothing so gently and intellectually at the same time. With such brief pages, the book explores an expensive concept and did it in a perfect manner. It is a fanscaiotng concept for both children and adults alike. The book discussing the idea of nothing and the importance and everyday value that nothingness holds. The illustrations look 3D with the use of the nothingness within the artwork. It also has an emotional component that teachers will find helpful when introducing mindfulness concepts.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
July 10, 2023
“All About Nothing” by Elizabeth Rusch with illustrations by Elizabeth Goss is a picture book about negative space and the beauty of nothingness.
This book explores what may be hidden in the space around things. In art, this is known as negative space, but it can be other things more broadly. The book seeks to show readers how things can be seen differently.
The lesson here is on mindfulness and it’s presented really well. How well this is received by young readers is another story. Illustrations complement the text really well.
This book explores what may be hidden in the space around things. In art, this is known as negative space, but it can be other things more broadly. The book seeks to show readers how things can be seen differently.
The lesson here is on mindfulness and it’s presented really well. How well this is received by young readers is another story. Illustrations complement the text really well.
November 24, 2023
The "book about nothing" jokes run throughout: space and negative elements of art come to life in this book's discussion. The art itself draws you to think about this technique of thinking. The moody colors and close-up viewpoints are intimate almost to make the viewer uncomfortable, but they exemplify the focus on something simple within all art, life, and all picture books. It ignites questions about what is missing? What has the artist left out and why? What would you want to put into the void and why?
April 6, 2023
All about nothing was an extremely insightful read for all ages. All about nothing explores such a complicated topic yet manages to explain it in such a simple way. Making this book digestible and accessible for young readers. While the text and topics were important the illustrations were also fun and entertaining! Goss’ use of color and empty space draws you in from the beginning and will keep all readers engaged!
August 23, 2022
Wonderful book with beautiful contrasting images.
I never actually thought of nothing a thing until now. Reading this book opened my eyes to the things around me to look for the nothing.
I also greatly enjoyed the negative space art paragraph at the end. Great idea for an art project in class
I never actually thought of nothing a thing until now. Reading this book opened my eyes to the things around me to look for the nothing.
I also greatly enjoyed the negative space art paragraph at the end. Great idea for an art project in class
April 1, 2023
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This is a fascinating picture book about “nothing”- negative space, space, and distances and how they are important in the world around us. I’d really like to read this aloud with younger students and see their reactions and hear their questions.
This is a fascinating picture book about “nothing”- negative space, space, and distances and how they are important in the world around us. I’d really like to read this aloud with younger students and see their reactions and hear their questions.
April 26, 2023
Every time I read this book, I will find something new, both in the art and the story. It may be for children, but All About Nothing is layered with thoughtful concepts that have appeal and application for all ages. It’s such a treasure!
June 12, 2023
Delightful paper cut illustrations support the text exploring the notion of nothing - primarily negative space but conceptually as well. There is a bit of a stretch to make that connection, and discussion after a read aloud might be useful.
Want to Read
August 24, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Read
September 17, 2022I received an e-ARC from NetGalley.
Lovely illustrations and some insightful ideas and meditations on nothingness great to take away at any age.
Lovely illustrations and some insightful ideas and meditations on nothingness great to take away at any age.
March 26, 2023
The children loved this book, the concept just had them fascinated. The conversations that followed were wonderful. A great conversation starter.
April 4, 2023
Cool idea but a little meta. I think using other words for "nothing" would make more sense, like explaining the term "white space," or even "space."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews