What do you think?
Rate this book
The World and Everything in It
There are big things and little things in the world, and everything in between. Caldecott Medal winner and #1 New York Times bestseller Kevin Henkes encourages young readers to be curious about the world around them in this timeless, beautifully illustrated, and educational picture book. The World and Everything in It belongs in every child’s library, and illuminates key social and emotional concepts such as belonging, self-awareness, and community. A wonderful gift for young children.
In the world, there are little animals, tiny flowers, and things so small you can’t see them. In the world, there are giant waves, a large sun, and things so big you can’t wrap your hands around them. There are big things and little things in the world. And everything in between—including you!
A timeless and wholesome picture book from Caldecott Medal winner and #1 New York Times bestseller Kevin Henkes, The World and Everything in It explores concepts such as curiosity, self-awareness, belonging, and size. Combining a precise, evocative, and lovely text with exquisite illustrations, Kevin Henkes deftly captures the wonders and mysteries of the world for any reader just beginning to think about how they fit in.
A brilliant picture book to spend time with, discuss, read aloud, and think about, The World and Everything in It is an excellent choice for social and emotional development as well as a lovely book to give to readers of any age.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2023
About the author
Kevin Henkes
130 books1,138 followersKevin Henkes is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, Olive's Ocean in 2004 and The Year of Billy Miller in 2014. His picture book Waiting was named both a 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book. It was only the second time any author has won that combination of awards.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 18, 2024
I've heard Kevin Henkes speak in person on how important the aesthetic of his books is to him, so that's what I notice first when I read one. His signature style is apparent on every page of The World and Everything in It, setting the table for the story's simple beauty.
There's more to this world we live in than anyone could fully track. Some things are small, and others are so large they don't fit on the planet, such as the sun and moon. We interact with things of every size daily, without thinking about it. We can cradle in our palm a tiny pebble, a wilted dandelion, or hug a soft, warm kitten, but even massive objects can be ours in a way. Ocean water cupped in our hands for a moment; a spot of sun brightening our house through the window; the full moon illuminating our bedroom during the darkest night. Our world is filled with the wonder of everything we see.
The World and Everything in It uses basic language to be accessible for pre- and early readers, but I like its message. The most beautiful things can feel too far away to be ours, but that's not truly the case. Relishing a song by a favorite artist, holding the hand of a dear friend, or hearing wise advice you store in your heart are ways you can have these things even if they're not yours to keep. Kevin Henkes reminds us of this, and young readers will be blessed by it.
There's more to this world we live in than anyone could fully track. Some things are small, and others are so large they don't fit on the planet, such as the sun and moon. We interact with things of every size daily, without thinking about it. We can cradle in our palm a tiny pebble, a wilted dandelion, or hug a soft, warm kitten, but even massive objects can be ours in a way. Ocean water cupped in our hands for a moment; a spot of sun brightening our house through the window; the full moon illuminating our bedroom during the darkest night. Our world is filled with the wonder of everything we see.
The World and Everything in It uses basic language to be accessible for pre- and early readers, but I like its message. The most beautiful things can feel too far away to be ours, but that's not truly the case. Relishing a song by a favorite artist, holding the hand of a dear friend, or hearing wise advice you store in your heart are ways you can have these things even if they're not yours to keep. Kevin Henkes reminds us of this, and young readers will be blessed by it.
May 4, 2023
Another lovely picture book written and illustrated by Henkes. I love his seemingly simple text, which is really so much more. It’s profound and beautiful. The story of big and small things in our world helps readers to understand the world and their place in it. Featuring scenes from nature. Gentle illustrations were created with brown ink and watercolors. Perfect with a Henkes author/illustrator study. It will make a perfect read aloud with one on a lap or a crowd of readers. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2023
A beautifully illustrated book by Caldecott Winner Kevin Henkes invites children to see how they are part of everything in this world be it - big or small. The text and pictures provide plenty for caregivers and their little ones to talk about.
Reviewer #26
Reviewer #26
June 11, 2024
This was so sweet
May 3, 2023
This gentle picture book reminded me of the animated Sesame Street shorts of my childhood, particularly "That's About the Size of It."
Read
May 25, 2023Simple text and illustrations offer a study in contrasting sizes. Big things and little things are explicitly pointed out, and middle-sized things. All these sizes exist in this world, reminding the reader in a simple way that we are all here, all connected parts of the same world, and we shouldn't fuck it up.
That last bit might have been just my own interpretation.
That last bit might have been just my own interpretation.
April 12, 2023
Kevin Henkes does it again with a good marriage of simple text and illustrations. Size of book is good to use for group read aloud.
The content makes me think of a quote by Robert Louis Stevenson, “The world is so full of a number of things, I ’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”
The content makes me think of a quote by Robert Louis Stevenson, “The world is so full of a number of things, I ’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”
March 31, 2023
A dreamy, philosophical, expansive book about the material world. I liked it! A nice, calming storytime book.
Themes: The World, Opposites, Nature
Age range: All Ages
Themes: The World, Opposites, Nature
Age range: All Ages
April 6, 2023
First sentence: There are big things and little things in the world. Little animals. Tiny flowers. Pebbles. Things so small you can't see them. The big things are big. The sea. The sun. The moon.
Premise/plot: Is there a plot to The World and Everything In It??? Maybe a slight one. It's more of a perspective-reflective poem than a 'proper' story. (Not that poems aren't proper. But not all poems tell stories. Nor should they.) So the premise--big is big, small is small, and in-between is in-between.
My thoughts: I am conflicted. Kevin Henkes' illustrations are predictably delightful. While some of Henkes' picture books are equally strong in story AND illustrations, this isn't one of them. It's a quiet, subtle book. It's an opportunity to look at Henkes' artwork. To perhaps have conversations with a child on your lap. Ask questions--what do you see? can you find the kitten? etc.
Premise/plot: Is there a plot to The World and Everything In It??? Maybe a slight one. It's more of a perspective-reflective poem than a 'proper' story. (Not that poems aren't proper. But not all poems tell stories. Nor should they.) So the premise--big is big, small is small, and in-between is in-between.
My thoughts: I am conflicted. Kevin Henkes' illustrations are predictably delightful. While some of Henkes' picture books are equally strong in story AND illustrations, this isn't one of them. It's a quiet, subtle book. It's an opportunity to look at Henkes' artwork. To perhaps have conversations with a child on your lap. Ask questions--what do you see? can you find the kitten? etc.
November 8, 2023
Great title, so intriguing! Do you wonder how any artist and illustrator could possibly fit "The World and Everything in It" into a slim hardcover picture book?
Not by squishing things, fortunately.
Instead toddlers are taught that, "The big things are big." And so forth. For instance, the sea and the moon.
Toddlers are told that they "can have some of the little things." Including "a little animal."
Well, Kevin Henkes has solved the problem he posed himself. No doubt to the satisfaction of his intended readers. Plus, the illustrations are simply simple-and-beautiful.
So yes, FIVE STARS for this one.
Not by squishing things, fortunately.
Instead toddlers are taught that, "The big things are big." And so forth. For instance, the sea and the moon.
Toddlers are told that they "can have some of the little things." Including "a little animal."
Well, Kevin Henkes has solved the problem he posed himself. No doubt to the satisfaction of his intended readers. Plus, the illustrations are simply simple-and-beautiful.
So yes, FIVE STARS for this one.
July 20, 2023
Children have big ideas, but struggle to put them into words. This book is exceptionally well written. A comparison of big and little things and how we can touch them all. The sweet drawings of children and the things around them in our homes and our communities will certainly appeal to readers.
Kevin Henkes is a master storyteller. His work evokes emotions, especially in my staff and I. I have coworkers who do author studies of his work. I will support their study by adding this book into our library collection. If you need new picture books, consider this one!
Kevin Henkes is a master storyteller. His work evokes emotions, especially in my staff and I. I have coworkers who do author studies of his work. I will support their study by adding this book into our library collection. If you need new picture books, consider this one!
May 5, 2023
"One of the best writers of contemporary picture books is Kevin Henkes."--The New Yorker (and me)
I'm a big fan of Henkes and thrilled with this book, his latest. It is simple and like other great picture books that preceed this one (The Hungry Caterpillar to name one), this feels similiar, like a classic.
Simple text and warm/cozy illustrations evoke wonder in nature and the world around is, both big and small.
Themes: the world
Ages: toddler-1st grade
Pub year: 2023
I'm a big fan of Henkes and thrilled with this book, his latest. It is simple and like other great picture books that preceed this one (The Hungry Caterpillar to name one), this feels similiar, like a classic.
Simple text and warm/cozy illustrations evoke wonder in nature and the world around is, both big and small.
Themes: the world
Ages: toddler-1st grade
Pub year: 2023
July 8, 2023
Just looking at the cover, you know you're reading a Kevin Henkes book! The dreamy illustrations in this one are the real standout, even more than the text. While I appreciate (and truly love) Henkes' often used theme of belonging & worthiness, I would like to see him branch out a little with fresher book ideas. However, I'll NEVER tire of his beautiful, softly-rendered illustrations & the whimsical qualities they bring to every book he writes.
August 28, 2023
The big things and the little things in the world-- some that can be held in the palm of our hands and others that we can experience a piece of (like the sea) but I think I wanted just a little bit more.
The way the story unfolds as a story is lovely and the illustration choice of putting the big and little things in boxes rather than splashing over the whole page makes it beautifully simple while being super big at the same time.
Delightful.
The way the story unfolds as a story is lovely and the illustration choice of putting the big and little things in boxes rather than splashing over the whole page makes it beautifully simple while being super big at the same time.
Delightful.
September 6, 2024
The World and Everything in It by Kevin Henkes is a really charming book. I loved the vibrant colors in the illustrations—they really pop and make the book feel warm and inviting.
However, I did find myself wishing there was a bit more depth to the content. The book’s message is nice, but it felt like it could’ve explored things a bit more. Overall, it’s a beautiful and enjoyable read, but it left me wanting just a little extra something
However, I did find myself wishing there was a bit more depth to the content. The book’s message is nice, but it felt like it could’ve explored things a bit more. Overall, it’s a beautiful and enjoyable read, but it left me wanting just a little extra something
April 23, 2023
A nice, quiet thoughtful book. About big things like the sea and the sun and the moon. And small things like pebbles and flowers and animals. And where we fit in all that big and little.
I like Henkes illustrations so I thought these were lovely. Just a simple meditation on the big and small of the world.
I like Henkes illustrations so I thought these were lovely. Just a simple meditation on the big and small of the world.
June 6, 2023
In the world, there are little animals, tiny flowers, and things so small you can’t see them. In the world, there are giant waves, a large sun, and things so big you can’t wrap your hands around them. There are big things and little things in the world. And everything in between--including you!"--
A very gentle read reminiscent to Margaret Wise Brown.
A very gentle read reminiscent to Margaret Wise Brown.
August 25, 2023
Another lovely lesson in simplicity and philosophy from Kevin Henkes. As before, I admire his use of brown ink for text and outlines (it's softer than black), and many of his compositions are square or nearly square, which is challenging to do well, IMO. Don't miss the symmetrical bookending of the first and last illustrations.
January 2, 2024
i love the subtleness of Henkes' illustrations. the story is gentle and would make an excellent read aloud or lap read. But when it came to the last page, i was totally lost. if anyone can explain why illustrations of the sun, moon and stars are included with the words "everything is in the world" I would appreciate it.
April 3, 2023
The illustrations are great, but there's no story, and there isn't a deep enough message to tie the different observations together in a satisfying way. This is worth reading, but it's unlikely to become a book that families return to again and again.
April 6, 2023
Beautiful illustrations . Plot is rather simple. I would use it for lapsit but not story time. Talks about how everything has a place in the world, big and small and where do you think your place is.
April 8, 2023
A thoughtful picture book about very little, very big and everything in between. The soft, gentle illustrations set the pace for the cozy examination of size. A useful preschool concept book to introduce comparative sizes in the natural world.
April 24, 2023
A poetic picture book that helps readers appreciate both the overwhelming size of the world and small bits we can hold and see. With a subtle message of inclusion and feeling that one belongs, this is a fresh take at a popular picture book theme.
April 25, 2023
The usual Henkes art and the soft, gentle nature of his work is very soothing. I find the text for this one cumbersome. It feels like he bit off too much with this one. There is no clear grasp of his subject. It makes me a little sad, actually. I think he missed themark with this one.
Read
May 4, 2023It is harder than you might think to find books suitable for children 16 months to 2 years old. Books with basic concepts that are clearly illustrated are rare jewels, and Henkes is a go-to author for this tricky age range. The pictures are warm and the text is inviting.
June 6, 2023
Brief summary: This book shares what is around us: big, small, and between. The soft and calming illustrations are done with brown ink and watercolor paint, demonstrating the size differences.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Read
June 20, 2023Can't rate, because I'm not appreciating it atm. Too subtle for most kids, even for the weird little kid I was. Might be fun/interesting in front of a preschool group, or as a board book. Will definitely prompt deep thoughts in some readers... just not in me.
July 5, 2023
A lovely ode to the natural world that will get young readers thinking about the infinitesimality and the enormity of the world and how so many things – including them – fall somewhere in between. "Everything is in the world."
November 8, 2023
Poetry
PreK-1 Grade Reading Level
This is a sweet book and made me smile. I love the innocence written into the words. On a random note, I think the font choice was so nice, it just adds to the calming theme in the story.
PreK-1 Grade Reading Level
This is a sweet book and made me smile. I love the innocence written into the words. On a random note, I think the font choice was so nice, it just adds to the calming theme in the story.
November 12, 2023
This picture book features a child-like musing on the things in the world.
"There are big things and little things in the world. And everything in between."
The illustrations were done in brown ink and watercolor paint.
"There are big things and little things in the world. And everything in between."
The illustrations were done in brown ink and watercolor paint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews