Book Review: Where Have You Been?
Rate This Article
What Parents Should Know
Kids are always safe in the hands of the gifted Margaret
Wise Brown, author of perennial favorite,
Goodnight Moon, among many others. Published originally
in 1952, this new edition of
Where Have You Been? with illustrations by the
brilliantly talented artistic team, Leo and Diane Dillon, shows
yet again that Brown's writing speaks directly to children in
every generations. The interactive aspect of the book's simple
poems will be engaging to very young kids.
Common Sense Media Review
Playful and sweet, the simple poem rocks gently along
inviting the engagement of young readers through the question
and answer format. Using images from the fanciful language, the
illustrations then add layers of subplots for pre-readers to
follow as well. For example, when asked where he has been, Old
Squirrel answers that he has been on a whirl. The illustration
shows a squirrel with goggles up in the air on a
helicopter-like flying contraption with a fairy holding on for
dear life and the moon rolling its eyes in the background.
There is a charming visual subtext involving fairies that
carries throughout.
Both the poem and the series of cheerful illustrations are fully realized and could stand alone, but the combination is most delightful. Twice winners of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award (among many, many others), the Dillons create artwork that is beautifully rendered while maintaining a spirit of whimsy. Margaret Wise Brown shows here, yet again, that although her writing career was relatively short, her authentic voice, well-crafted language, and light-hearted intelligence are enduring.
From the book:
Little Old Fish
Little Old Fish
Where do you swim?
Wherever I wish
Said the Little Old Fish
That's where I swim....
Little Old Bee
Little Old Bee
Where have you been?
In a pink apple tree
Said the Little Old Bee
That's where I've been.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
