As the World Goes By

This story, just right for readers ages 3-7, celebrates finding stillness in a busy world, and appreciating the little things in life.

When Buttons the dog sees a beautiful blue butterfly, he is sure everyone will want to see it, too. But among the bustle of the busy street and the chitter-chatter of the café, no one notices the insect. He tries to encourage everyone he meets to stop and admire the wonder and beauty of the butterfly, but no one does. Is there anything he can do to get everyone to focus their attention on the beautiful insect? This inspiring story celebrates finding stillness in a busy world, and appreciating the little things in life.PreS-Gr 2–From his window, Buttons the dog and his rubber ducky watch the world rush past. When he spots a delicate blue butterfly, he longs to share its beauty. As he follows the butterfly through a bustling café and a crowded street, only a few small creatures take notice. Frustrated, Buttons finally calls out for the world to stop and appreciate this tiny wonder. Lambert’s vibrant watercolor ­illustrations bring the dog’s journey to life, with playful sound words capturing the city’s noisy energy. VERDICT A gentle, thoughtful story that encourages children to slow down and appreciate the small moments of beauty in everyday life. --School Library Journal

A dog named Buttons notices a blue butterfly passing by the window and sets out to follow it. Disappointingly to Buttons, busy humans are engaged in their own "bustle" and "chitter-chatter" and do not share the small dog's excitement. As Buttons follows the blue butterfly, several animal friends (a toy poodle, a bird, and a cat) join in the admiration-fueled journey. At an art gallery, by a fountain, and through the traffic of the street, people continue to ignore the entrancing butterfly. At last, Buttons cries out "STOP!" over the beeps and honks of the zooming traffic. And for a moment, everyone does. Lambert's luminous illustrations capture the amazing beauty of the butterfly, as well as the urban setting full of houses. Although Buttons and friends are depicted, the illustrations also show the animals' point of view by focusing on the busy humans from the ground up, sometimes showing only their feet and legs. A fun reminder to be mindful of small beauties in our lives.--Booklist OnlineJonny Lambert grew up in Surrey, England, and always knew he wanted to be an artist of some sort. Encouraged by his art instructor at the Reigate School of Art and Design, Jonny is now an artist of many sorts: a talented illustrator with more than 300 titles to his name, designer, and paper engineer. He lives with his wife, daughter, and a menagerie of animals in West Sussex, England.

Jonny Lambert grew up in Surrey, England, and always knew he wanted to be an artist of some sort. Encouraged by his art instructor at the Reigate School of Art and Design, Jonny is now an artist of many sorts: a talented illustrator with more than 300 titles to his name, designer, and paper engineer. He lives with his wife, daughter, and a menagerie of animals in West Sussex, England.