While You're Away

by Theoodoris Papioannou, Petros Boulaubasis (Illustrator)

A beautiful story that humbly conveys the importance of paying attention to nature.  While you're away from nature, doing other things, amazing wonders are happening all around you. Deer are sniffing out berries, squirrels are chasing each other, and owls are waiting for their moment to fly. Even if you don't happen to notice them, these little miracles happen every day. And if you stop to watch and listen carefully, you may very well see some of them.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens, Storytime

35 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2021

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book with a small child before you take them on a walk through the park - you will be happy when they slow down and point out all the ways nature takes care of creatures great and small - beautiful art.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you leave nature behind and head indoors, nature keeps on happening all the while. Mother deer may search for blueberries for their fawns. Squirrels might leap closer to their sweethearts. Lizards still laze in sunny spots among the strawberries. A fox may be asleep with her babies. Bears may be drinking from the river. One after another, the activities of nature and wildlife continue, even when a human isn’t there to witness it all. But if you do happen to be out in nature, stay quiet and still and soon you will be witnessing all of the small activities that make up a day in the life of the creatures around you.

This European import speaks to that realization that children suddenly have that things go on even when they are absent, and not just after bedtime! Here nature, insects and animals are used as the example with real impact, as they have lives just like the children do. Their bustling busyness continues even when a child leaves the side of the lake, exits the forest or enters their house. Papioannou uses marvelously specific examples, showing the beauty of nature and also the reasons the animals are doing what they do.

The art is fantastic, creating a modern and colorful vibe where each turn of the page is surprising. Readers quickly move from one animal to the next, from sun dapples to the brilliance of a red fox in a black cave, from a dragonfly near the lake to an owl still and hidden in the trees. The book is a series of discoveries, much like sitting in nature can be.

An inviting look at nature and how it carries on whether you are there or not. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous! A book about the abundance of things happening in nature without our (human) notice because we are occupied with our own goings-on. The invite is to appreciate these wonders if we are "not away". (The silent invite is to have faith and gratitude that beauty and peace are happening even as we are not witnessing them.)
German author and Greek illustrator collaboration...just wonderful!

[Brandon Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the wonders happening in nature while we are "away" or occupied.

[Flossmoor Public Library (IL) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

The colorful painting of the cover caught my eye, and I was intrigued by what the story could be. As I read the calming words I realized what a gift this story was. While You’re Away takes you deep into nature and the wondrous world around us. The illustrations are so relaxing and beautiful, the artist takes you on a gentle journey in nature. I enjoyed this captivating story and I will take the advice of the author and “keep still and quiet!” the next time I am out in the forest or by the lake, so I will be lucky enough to see “the small miracles” that happen everyday while I’m away!

- Ms. Elena

[Emma M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many things happen even when you aren't there to witness them. This was a lovely book that explores some of the many things that could be happening in nature at any given moment. It's sure to get little ones curious and excited about the world of nature that surrounds them.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book! It's a great one to share with a child before you head out on a hike, walk, or nature creep together. I love the way it celebrates life's everyday wonders--whether you're there to see them or not!

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the illustrations. The lyrical (I imagine) text suffered in translation and failed to engage me/child as readers. Very awkward phrasing at times which pulled even child out of the reading and visual experience.

Slightly superficial designer pet peeve... why papyrus font? Answer unclear.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creative, colorful illustrations encourage young readers to imagine all the little things that are happening around them in nature while they are not paying attention. It is an interesting perspective, but it could be confusing for young listeners or readers.

[Deborah]

Does a bear drink from the river, if no one is paying attention? A book that reminds us that *we* are not the center of the universe... but if we do happen to be there by the river, we can stay quiet and still and in the background, and watch.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

These illustrations are beautiful. Story about what happens all around us in nature when we are not paying attention.

[Y.Poston]

Gorgeous exploration of nature

[Jj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm guessing this is a translation? Or maybe it was originally written in English? Just curious...

In any event, a good read and a great choice for a mindfulness program for kids.

[Marianne Tabner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and a lyrical story about appreciating the gifts of nature and all that surrounds. us.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small miracles happen everyday in the Forest when you're away. If you listen and look you just might see them when you visit the forest.

[Erin Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book that explores what happens in nature when you are not there to witness it -- perfect for preschool age.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrates some of the small miracles that happen in nature and encourages the reader to pay attention and notice some of "life's everyday wonders."

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique illustrations and nice text tell the story what might happen in the forest while you are not there.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't love the Papyrus font, but the illustrations are vivid and beautiful, and I appreciate the thoughtful look into the events that occur around us in the natural world all the time, whether we are paying attention or not.

[Dedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-catching images paired with gorgeous word choice!