Milo Walking

Starred review from September 18, 2023
Curly headed Milo and his mother, both portrayed with light brown skin, walk the same neighborhood route every morning. “But what they see is never the same,” writes Howe (Bunnicula). One day, a rainstorm leaves “this puddle for me to find,” Milo says as he touches his reflection in it. Indeed, opportunities for quiet wonder appear everywhere (in the hum of bees pollinating a field of yellow flowers, the sound of a speckled and red-headed woodpecker, as well as the feel of a friendly dog who expresses her affection for Milo with a slobbery tongue), and perceiving them inspires in Milo generosity as well as joy. Sensing that a familiar tree “looks sad,” he offers it a hug and the reassurance that “I will see you tomorrow and you will be happy.” Returning home, Milo and his mom create a story about their journey entitled “Milo Walking.” Kikuchi (Show Us Where You Live, Humpback) uses soft pencil and watercolor to create a subdued but warmhearted realism. Combined with the quiet text, the book celebrates a world that seems alive in every way, and is full of gifts for all who take the time to notice. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Jessica Saint Jean, Jill Grinberg Literary.

Starred review from October 1, 2023
What will Milo see on his walk today? Milo, a young boy with curly brown hair and beige skin, sets out on a walk through the neighborhood, holding hands with his mother, who has long, wavy brown hair and beige skin. They come upon a big puddle, and Milo decides the rain has left it for him to discover. When Milo pretends his reflection is a real child, his mother plays along and replies. From there, the pair hear buzzing bees humming as they go about their daily activities. They see bright yellow flowers whose perfume reminds Milo of his mother, and they see white tails in the sky from a plane hidden in the clouds. Milo's mother gently encourages Milo's imaginings and even helps him with an art project that Milo works on to help them remember the day. Howe's sensitive prose expertly guides readers through this sensorial adventure, offering touchstones of wonder and delight (especially the welcoming slobbery kisses from a friendly pooch). Kikuchi's luminous palette depicts whimsy and joy in each small moment--the images are awash in delicate blues and warm yellows, outlined in soft grays and browns. Varying perspectives provide close-ups of Milo's experiences as well as bird's-eye views of him and his mother in nature, keeping young readers engaged and curious themselves. An enchanting invitation to go outside, take in nature...and enjoy every moment of it. (Picture book. 3-6)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 Milo and his mother often go for walks around their neighborhood. They visit the same places but always see different things. Mama lets Milo take his time, stopping to examine puddles, listen to bees, smell flowers, seek out birds, hug a tree, pet a neighbor's dog. They create art together, Mama with watercolors, Milo with crayons. Howe elevates the familiar premise by exploring the subtext of the actions. It acknowledges that a young child can be making connections, thinking deeply about his experiences and wondering about other possibilities. The puddle was not there yesterday; where did it come from? Milo can't hear the airplane in the sky, but he sees the cloud tail it leaves behind. As Milo observes nature, colors, and sounds, he internalizes the experiences. Later he asks his mother to write down a story he has created based on what he saw, thereby externalizing a response. The softly colored illustrations, rendered in pencil and watercolor, reflect the warmth of the mother-son relationship and the beauty they see as they walk.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2024
Every morning, Milo and his mom go for the same walk, "but what they see is never the same." It's not just seeing, either -- they use all their senses. When they come across a rain puddle, Milo squats down, sees himself, then touches his hand's wet reflection. Next, they hear some busy bees and smell some yellow flowers. They see a plane's contrail in the sky and hear a woodpecker in a tree. When they reach a bench, both mother and son make some art, mom using watercolor and Milo using crayons to depict a tree in the park. Milo thinks the tree looks sad and gives it a goodbye hug, whispering, "I will see you tomorrow and you will be happy." On the walk home, a friendly neighborhood dog ("full of slobber and good intentions") licks Milo's cheek, making him laugh. At home, Milo's mother writes down the story he tells her about their walk -- a nice way to recap the book's events. While never using the term the five senses, Howe's text naturally introduces them in affable, authentic-sounding dialogue and narration. Softly outlined in pencil, Kikuchi's cheerful watercolors feature soothing pastel-toned yellows, blues, greens, and pinks. This outing contains just the right amount of detail to prompt audiences to make their own outdoor observations. Jennifer M. Brabander

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2024
Every morning, Milo and his mom go for the same walk, "but what they see is never the same." It's not just seeing, either -- they use all their senses. When they come across a rain puddle, Milo squats down, sees himself, then touches his hand's wet reflection. Next, they hear some busy bees and smell some yellow flowers. They see a plane's contrail in the sky and hear a woodpecker in a tree. When they reach a bench, both mother and son make some art, mom using watercolor and Milo using crayons to depict a tree in the park. Milo thinks the tree looks sad and gives it a goodbye hug, whispering, "I will see you tomorrow and you will be happy." On the walk home, a friendly neighborhood dog ("full of slobber and good intentions") licks Milo's cheek, making him laugh. At home, Milo's mother writes down the story he tells her about their walk -- a nice way to recap the book' s events. While never using the term the five senses, Howe's text naturally introduces them in affable, authentic-sounding dialogue and narration. Softly outlined in pencil, Kikuchi's cheerful watercolors feature soothing pastel-toned yellows, blues, greens, and pinks. This outing contains just the right amount of detail to prompt audiences to make their own outdoor observations.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)