A little girl explores all of the funny, strange, and wonderful things that make living on Earth so special in this beautifully illustrated children’s story. With a strong message of hope, interconnectedness, and empowerment, This Small Blue Dot features a little girl explaining the world to her baby sister. She hits on small wonders, big lessons, and everything in between, from sharing the joy of silly dances to contemplating the nature of this “small blue dot” we all live on. Author and illustrator Zeno Sworder, who hails from a multicultural background, wrote this story when his daughter was unable to find picture books with characters who looked like her. His precocious young narrator has opinions on plenty of things: nature and the environment, embracing difference, the power of imagination―and the trouble with broccoli. Rich pencil and crayon illustrations conjure up memories of childhood in this celebration of who we are, where we come from, and where our dreams may take us. In This Small Blue Dot , Sworder captures not only life lessons but also the fun, often strange experience of being a member of the human family on planet Earth. Illustrated in color throughout PreS-K-In highly detailed pencil illustrations for the human characters and charming crayon illustrations for the remainder of the material, Sworder's debut delivers a young girl's informative and inspiring introduction to the "small blue dot" on which her new infant sibling now lives. Highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things and the need to care for our unique home, the author's message of savoring childhood and beyond is captured in a child-centered way and doesn't veer into overt sentimentality. The combination of realistic pencil-work with imaginative crayon backgrounds effectively welcomes all to find their place and enjoy the journey on our small blue dot. VERDICT In mixed media, Sworder makes a compelling case for a wide ranging audience to pore over these pages and take in this ode to all life has to offer.-John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimoreα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "A child’s heartfelt welcome to a new baby... The sentiments are true, and the art eminently engaging... A moving and beautifully illustrated message." ― Kirkus Reviews "Amplifying the words with scribbly, colorful crayon illustrations, Sworder centers a child’s impassioned, impulsive voice sharing an experience of human existence." ― Publishers Weekly "Rich pencil and crayon illustrations conjure up memories of childhood in this celebration of who we are, where we come from, and where our dreams may take us. In the pages of This Small Blue Dot , Sworder captures not only life lessons but also the fun, often strange experience of being a member of the human family on planet Earth." ― Midwest Book Review Zeno Sworder  is a writer and artist who lives in Melbourne with his young family. After studying Chinese literature and migration law at university, he ended up as a dishwasher. Later, he went on to work as a journalist, an English language teacher, a consular officer, an advocate for refugees and immigrants, and a jewelry designer. He is a lover of all stationery but has a particular soft spot for pencils. Sworder is the CBCA New Illustrator of the Year 2021, and his first book This Small Blue Dot was a CBCA Notable Book, the winner of the 2021 Australian Book Designers Association’s Award for Best Designed Children’s Illustrated Book, and the Designers’ Choice Children’s/Young Adult Book of the Year. Preschool Books Category Bronze Award Winner Recognized in Made for Mums Awards 2021