Up Above and Down Below
From 4 to 6 | 32 pages, color
“In the world, there are different kinds of people,” opens Up Above and Down Below. The ones on the top think the ones on the bottom are different. The ones down below they think the ones up above are different. But what if they all turned themselves upside down? Would everyone find that they’re all the same, except in a few small ways?
Through award-winning translator Susan Ouriou, author-illustrator Paloma Valdivia explores this complex philosophical question and encourages young readers to appreciate the differences among people as well as their similarities. The short sentences and stylized, surreal illustrations will draw readers into the whimsical worlds of up above and down below, delighting and enlightening them as they complete their tour.
"Broader lessons are left to be intuited, something to ponder over juice box and Goldfish. Valdivia's deceptively simple illustrations also merit further exploration." - The New York Times
"A gentle and well-designed introduction to recognizing different points of view - and a reminder that people are the same wherever they live." - Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
"A visually stunning, gently restrained picture book that should be high up on readers' lists." - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
"Whimsical and funny...[a] cleverly designed book." - School Library Journal
"[The] pleasurable play of space and form is a strength of this book." - CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials
"A great story-starter for many disciplines. It can be used to introduce little ones to the concept of social studies, geography, and even the curious law of gravity." - Picture Book Depot
"This book is a definite thumbs up above for teaching unity, equality, curiosity and tolerance!" - Resource Links
"... this edifying book provides hope that the inequities of our times may give way to a more cooperative model of humans flourishing in community." - Spirituality & Practice
