How Big is the Sky?

How Big is the Sky? by Kimberly Brown (Affirm Press 20225) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781923046368

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

Some things can be counted. Other things aren't so easy to measure.

How Big is the Sky? starts off as a measurement primer - introducing young readers to various tools and units of measurement, including distance, weight, time and temperature. 

The text is straightforward and gives clear, easy to understand explanations on the functions of various measuring devices. Then, just as you are lulled into thinking that this is a science book, suitable for reading to a class prior to teaching a measurement unit (to front-load their vocabulary), it gently pivots with this line - You can measure how cold it is outside, but not the warmth that laughter brings - and becomes something more meaningful and beyond measurable. 

Illustratively, this tells a story about a young boy and his parents who are in the final stages of building a boat. Once built they all go sailing together. It soon becomes apparent that this boy is on his own journey - an initiation of sorts - as along the way you see him alone, readying himself and combating his nerves as he prepares to jump off the boat into the water for the first time. Then you get a sense of the wonder and that almost can't-believe-this-is-happening moment he experiences underwater, and the elation he feels when he returns to the surface where he is greeted by his dad. How do you measure the height of adventure? Or how tall you've grown inside?

The illustrations are sophisticated and gorgeously rich in colour. I love the wordless double page illustration of the boy snorkelling underwater with its beautiful textures, luscious blues and saturated corals. And the attractive cover makes you want to reach out and grab it.

How Big is the Sky? contrasts the tangible physical universe - which can be measured and agreed upon - with feelings and emotions which - like the sky itself - cannot be measured or standardised. For example, if you were to ask your child 'how much do you love me?'  it will often be answered by use of a metaphor or something tangible or familiar to them as a marker. Such as 'I love you as big as the ocean' or, 'I love you this much,' as declared by their outstretched arms. But these answers have way more depth of meaning and feeling attached to them than the actual distance or volume being expressed - and are as personalised and as unique as we each are.  

Kimberly Brown has used her talents skillfully (as both author and illustrator) with a singular vision in the creation of this stunning - and yes - ambitious - picture book, where she inspires us to think profoundly about the world that exists both around and within us.

How Big is the Sky?  is certain to open some interesting philosophical conversations between children and their parents - as well as in classroom settings with their teachers.

Highly recommended and suitable for age 4-8+ years