This picture book follows the adventures of a tiny worm who has forgotten who she is.
The worm leaves the soil and searches for God to find out who she is. Many varied characters tell her they are God—a magical butterfly, a beautiful flower, and a big mountain, among others—and while they are impressive, they are not what she is looking for, so she continues her search. Only when she meets a tiny seed, who tells her that ‘The All is in the Small, ’ does she remember who she is and her vital role in life.
In her interview with NZ Booklovers, Dana says that she wishes to ‘bring attention back to what matters—thriving, happy humans living on a thriving, happy Earth.’
She succeeds wonderfully in this gorgeous picture book that will spark many conversations in families with young children.
Dana has also illustrated I Am, and the illustrations are simply stunning—you could spend hours looking at each spread and the lovely detail incorporated into each page. The illustrations look serene and simple at first glance, but the more you look, the more you see the intricacy. It’s a warm colour palette that celebrates the natural world in all its glory.
This is a hardback book by boutique publisher Beatnik, and the production quality is first-rate.
I Am is a really special book. Go get a copy and see for yourself!
Reviewer: Karen McMillan