Where?

A child claims their space in the world with a hopeful response to a complicated question in this lyrical picture book.

I am from children of millions of years, a time line of humanity.
I am from this planet and all others.

When a child is once again on the receiving end of the dreaded question “Where are you from?” their answer takes readers on an intergalactic journey through the cosmos. Traveling across space and time, past collapsing stars and nebulae, the young narrator reminds us not of our differences but of our shared humanity. Debut author Jordan Collins’s poetic prose, informed by lived experience, and Phil Lesnie’s stunning illustrations create a powerful story that celebrates our intricate and beautiful connections with one another. End notes from author and illustrator relay more about the experiences both have had in fielding a question that may be familiar to many young readers.Collins, making a picture book debut with this work that began as a slam poem, employs energetic prose. . . . Digital illustrations by Lesnie depict the child traveling across various realistic and fantastical landscapes, accompanying responses that build to a final, powerful response.
—Publishers Weekly

Lesnie’s dazzlingly vivid illustrations immerse the child in a rich imaginative world, depicting lush green trees, rainbow nebulae, and luminous golden lanterns on dark water. . . . An unusual and inventive selection for beginning tough conversations with young readers.
—Kirkus ReviewsJordan Collins was born in Chicago and moved to Australia at age eight. Where? began as a slam poem that they wrote after a lifetime of being asked questions like “Where are you from?” Jordan Collins lives in Sydney, Australia.

Phil Lesnie is an acclaimed children’s book illustrator and also a children’s bookseller. They work primarily in watercolor, because in watercolor even mistakes look lovely. Phil Lesnie is based in Sydney, Australia.