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Noticing
This is a story about noticing the little things, the grand big things, the imaginary, and sometimes, hidden things. It is about embracing what's possible. And that the incredible is everywhere, and in everything--waiting to be known, discovered, recognized.
This beautiful tale by New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada and illustrator Elise Hurst encourages readers of all ages to slow down and look at the world with their hearts--to use their imagination to expand their vision. A companion to the beloved children's book Trying, Noticing follows a young girl and an accomplished painter as they learn to observe the beauty and magic in each day. It's a story that will encourage you to pay attention, to make new discoveries, and to explore the unknown. And it's also an invitation to look within, to your own hopes and dreams, and perhaps to discover even more.
This beautiful tale by New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada and illustrator Elise Hurst encourages readers of all ages to slow down and look at the world with their hearts--to use their imagination to expand their vision. A companion to the beloved children's book Trying, Noticing follows a young girl and an accomplished painter as they learn to observe the beauty and magic in each day. It's a story that will encourage you to pay attention, to make new discoveries, and to explore the unknown. And it's also an invitation to look within, to your own hopes and dreams, and perhaps to discover even more.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
August 26, 2023
If I had the means, I’d commission Kobi Yamada to create 365 of his kid’s books so that anyone who wanted to could read one a day for a year. I bet anyone who did would end up happier by that year’s end, in a lasting way, with a more open heart. And although this was my least favorite so far, it would still make it in that mix. The end alone did the trick, that was a 5-star ending. Apart from that, it was a 3-star book. At least when compared to the others I’ve read by this author. The illustrations are lush with movement, and really add to the experience even if they’re not one’s aesthetic.
Here is my order of favorites to least so far by Kobi Yamada:
1. Maybe
2. What Do You Do With an Idea? and What do you do with a Problem?
3. What Do You Do with a Chance?
4. Noticing
Here is my order of favorites to least so far by Kobi Yamada:
1. Maybe
2. What Do You Do With an Idea? and What do you do with a Problem?
3. What Do You Do with a Chance?
4. Noticing
September 1, 2023
This is a wonderful little book I saw when walking by a souvenir shop that happened to sell a hidden but wild assortment of books.
The author tells of a young girl who feels utterly mediocre and unseen. Until one day when she meets a painter who teachers her to appreciate everything around her and to let her imagination fly - along with showing her how unique and appreciated she is.
A touching and important message that gets nicely emphasized by Elise Hurst's incredible illustrations:
One of those accidental finds that will stay with me and which I'm sure I'll take off the shelf and enjoy again.
The author tells of a young girl who feels utterly mediocre and unseen. Until one day when she meets a painter who teachers her to appreciate everything around her and to let her imagination fly - along with showing her how unique and appreciated she is.
A touching and important message that gets nicely emphasized by Elise Hurst's incredible illustrations:
One of those accidental finds that will stay with me and which I'm sure I'll take off the shelf and enjoy again.
March 21, 2023
Absolutely beautiful, both the illustrations and the message 💖
September 13, 2023
No agenda. Beautiful illustration
March 29, 2024
The library didn't have this so I bought it. It arrived today, on a day when I woke up and was excited to be alive, despite my pain. I had an unexpectedly confrontational nurse at an appointment and left crying, and when I got home this book was waiting for me. The final line totally broke me: "But mostly, what I wish I could say is, thank you for seeing me." Oh to be the type of person who makes people feel this way, that's the goal.
Every picture book I have read by this author feels like required reading for kids, adults, anyone. They're so real, and hopeful, and helpful. They almost always make me cry because they're such important messages. This one is no different, though it is rather longer than his usual ones.
Every picture book I have read by this author feels like required reading for kids, adults, anyone. They're so real, and hopeful, and helpful. They almost always make me cry because they're such important messages. This one is no different, though it is rather longer than his usual ones.
May 11, 2023
It’s no surprise that I love another book by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Elise Hurst. They always do something special when they combine words and pictures on a page.
The illustrations are lovely and the themes incorporate seeing the best in people and the mysteries of the world, and that what we often need to notice isn’t always seen with the eye. I loved the way imagination was brought into this story.
These books are ones that I feel adults would appreciate too. It’s almost like they speak to your inner child and give some important reminders.
The ending is also a great way to show how we can remember to make sure we see those around us too.
The illustrations are lovely and the themes incorporate seeing the best in people and the mysteries of the world, and that what we often need to notice isn’t always seen with the eye. I loved the way imagination was brought into this story.
These books are ones that I feel adults would appreciate too. It’s almost like they speak to your inner child and give some important reminders.
The ending is also a great way to show how we can remember to make sure we see those around us too.
June 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
February 19, 2024
So fucking cute. Another addition to my childrens book collection
I almost wrote addiction up there
I almost wrote addiction up there
January 24, 2025
Would that this could be required reading for everyone...
Beautiful words. Beautiful, sweeping illustrations. Beautiful message.
5 stars
Beautiful words. Beautiful, sweeping illustrations. Beautiful message.
5 stars
Read
May 3, 2025I love this author so much, and I could stare at these illustrations all day. He has a way of simplifying life lessons in the most gorgeous way.
September 5, 2022
Seeing with your eyes,
Seeing with your ears,
Seeing with you heart.
All three are different things and you’ll know after reading Noticing by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Elise Hurst. This magnificent piece of art is so wonderful and eyeopening. It looks and might feel like a children’s book, a picture book, and it might as well be one. Because it’s a book for all sorts of ages. For children to be amazed, for young adults to imagine and for grown ups to feel young again.
The story and the illustrations fit perfectly together. The characters have a nice and sweet appearance, while the nature becomes something else entirely. You’ll have to read and see between the lines to notice all the small details that are hidden between them.
The author said in the beginning: This is a story to encourage you to pay attention, to make new discoveries, and to explore the unknown. And it’s true. It encourages you to look at your surroundings and watch, to see something else that wasn’t there before. It triggers your imagination, making you hope for magic, wonder and extraordinaries.
Seeing with your ears,
Seeing with you heart.
All three are different things and you’ll know after reading Noticing by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Elise Hurst. This magnificent piece of art is so wonderful and eyeopening. It looks and might feel like a children’s book, a picture book, and it might as well be one. Because it’s a book for all sorts of ages. For children to be amazed, for young adults to imagine and for grown ups to feel young again.
The story and the illustrations fit perfectly together. The characters have a nice and sweet appearance, while the nature becomes something else entirely. You’ll have to read and see between the lines to notice all the small details that are hidden between them.
The author said in the beginning: This is a story to encourage you to pay attention, to make new discoveries, and to explore the unknown. And it’s true. It encourages you to look at your surroundings and watch, to see something else that wasn’t there before. It triggers your imagination, making you hope for magic, wonder and extraordinaries.
July 6, 2024
This book is a beautiful reminder to take the time to notice not only the things around you but also to see the good in people and reflect it back to them. It also encourages imagination and self worth. Beautiful text and stunning illustrations, it is a true gem.
“Everyone shines and needs to be seen. Everyone wants to know that they matter, that there is a place for them, and that they are needed. Sure, some may hide their brilliance, but the light is in there, always flickering, and it is a beautiful thing when we can reflect it back to them.”
“Everyone shines and needs to be seen. Everyone wants to know that they matter, that there is a place for them, and that they are needed. Sure, some may hide their brilliance, but the light is in there, always flickering, and it is a beautiful thing when we can reflect it back to them.”
July 5, 2025
A young child is mentored by an artist who teaches them the power of noticing the world and all its surprises and joy.
Why I started this book: New picture books at the library. Great day!
Why I finished it: Gorgeous illustrations and wonderful commentary about noticing, seeing and acknowledging other people. The subtle details and colors reward readers as they take time to practice noticing.
Why I started this book: New picture books at the library. Great day!
Why I finished it: Gorgeous illustrations and wonderful commentary about noticing, seeing and acknowledging other people. The subtle details and colors reward readers as they take time to practice noticing.
December 18, 2023
Another great work. Kobi Yamada has this sensitivity that passes through in his stories. I always learn from his stories and they always touch my heart. I love that we have a female main character again. The illustration is spectacular.
October 8, 2024
I cannot tell you how simply beautiful this book is! I read it and sent it to a spiritual formation group I lead. The illustrations are beautiful.
This was recommended in the excellent class with Lacy Finn Borgo: Spiritual Accompaniment of Children, but I am sharing it with adults too!
After reading it, I have spent the last couple of mornings noticing the stars at dawn. (Psalm 148:
This was recommended in the excellent class with Lacy Finn Borgo: Spiritual Accompaniment of Children, but I am sharing it with adults too!
After reading it, I have spent the last couple of mornings noticing the stars at dawn. (Psalm 148:
May 6, 2025
This is stunning. The illustrations and story are both beautiful. All of the images and the images within the illustrations are amazing but I think my favourite is the goldfish in the grass and the animals that form gr he mountain. Wonderful.
April 20, 2023
I absolutely love this book. I hope to buy it one day for my kids.
September 27, 2023
I had this book on my shelf for a couple weeks, it’s funny how when I finally picked it up, it’s just what I needed to hear in that moment. The message and illustrations are beautiful.
September 28, 2023
Heart felt.
November 27, 2023
Beautiful art, beautiful message.
December 16, 2023
A very sweet children's story about using your imagination and appreciating the world around you
November 16, 2024
Beautiful pictures. Lovely message. Love the hidden elements in the illustrations.
April 15, 2025
One of the therapists in hospital said that this book reminded me of them and that I should give it a go to read,
Yes it’s a children’s book but holy shit does its meaning go DEEP like damn I was so moved and genuinely love it so so much
Yes it’s a children’s book but holy shit does its meaning go DEEP like damn I was so moved and genuinely love it so so much
March 9, 2024
Absolutely beautiful and brilliant and thought provoking in all the ways that matter most. This is a book I will tell everyone they should read and reflect on. Just beautiful!
May 29, 2024
"One of the best things you can be is interested. When you are interested, you are curious, and when you are curious, you discover things - amazing things, about yourself and about the world."
August 16, 2024
Stunning and heart melting
December 29, 2025
What a beautiful take on "perspective"
September 18, 2022
** A copy of Noticing was provided by the publisher and Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review **
This is a beautifully illustrated fable of care, wonder, the little things and the not-so-little things.
This is a beautifully illustrated fable of care, wonder, the little things and the not-so-little things.
February 3, 2025
I loved the beautiful illustrations. I think this book would make a great picture book read aloud for advisory, a focus on kindness, and art classes.
November 27, 2025
إنها ليست مجرد قصة ، بل دعوة لفتح عيناك على الفن ، الفن موجود من حولنا قد يتشكل على هيئة غيوم في السماء ، أو أحسايس نشعر بها ، أو حتى أفكار تدور داخل عقلنا .
يجب عليك أن تهدأ لتفكر وتلاحظ كل شيئ من حولك ، تنظر له من زاوية أخرى ، قد نسميها زاوية الاهتمام وهي أن تكون فضولي لشيء ما وذلك يجعلك تبحث وتكتشف وترى أشياء جديدة .
يجب عليك أن تهدأ لتفكر وتلاحظ كل شيئ من حولك ، تنظر له من زاوية أخرى ، قد نسميها زاوية الاهتمام وهي أن تكون فضولي لشيء ما وذلك يجعلك تبحث وتكتشف وترى أشياء جديدة .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews