Ins and Outs

Imagined by Elizabeth Withey

Illustrated by Salini Perera 

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-3835-2

32 pp.

Ages 3-5

March 2025 

 

You'll notice that, instead of indicating Elizabeth Withey as the author above with the words "Written by," I've repeated the words "Imagined by" as they appear on the front cover of Ins and Outs. This is because Ins and Outs is primarily a concept book that reinforces the idea of positioning i.e., being in and out. The text is limited to two words: "in" and "out." But Elizabeth Withey, a Calgary author, journalist and visual artist, doesn't need more words. She has envisioned fabulous pairings of circumstances that many children will recognize to easily pick up on the concepts of in and out.

From Ins and Outs, imagined by Elizabeth Withey, illustrated by Salini Perera

The first combination of in and out involves a child snug in bed, in the house, while outside the bedroom window a cat prowls in the dark and a luna moth takes flight. From a school yard to cycling on the street, playing in a garden or with a playground parachute, a diverse group of children show things that happen outside and inside, and in and out of a wide variety of places and things.

From Ins and Outs, imagined by Elizabeth Withey, illustrated by Salini Perera

Elizabeth Withey gives young children many opportunities to grasp the concept of "in" and "out" from both obvious and not-so-obvious scenarios. The "inside" and "outside" are the obvious like the children who are standing outside the school or the cat that exits the bedroom to head outside. But Elizabeth Withey has also imagined cold breath going in and condensed exhalation going out, and a nail in the road that will soon be "in" a bike tire and allow air out. The use of a hearing aid to allow sound in and the use of sign language to allow words out is a one of the most thought-provoking of circumstances. As such, the learning of the concept of in and out becomes an interactive read with every double-page spread offering chances to find more and more examples than the most obvious.

From Ins and Outs, imagined by Elizabeth Withey, illustrated by Salini Perera

Because the text is so sparse, the illustrations must provide much of the basis for the learning of the concept, and artist Salini Perera's digital illustrations provide that basis handsomely. She ensures that the big idea of "in" or "out" is evident but then provides little details that enhance the messaging about the concept. With art lively both in content and form, Salini Perera, whose illustrations were reviewed in Beautiful You, Beautiful Me, helps children see the ins and outs of our world.

From Ins and Outs, imagined by Elizabeth Withey, illustrated by Salini Perera

It's different to read a concept book that isn't a board book, especially one that focuses on such a basic concept. But I guess all concepts are basic until you understand them.  Still, Elizabeth Withey and Salini Perera have imagined a refreshing way to teach the idea of position and get children to think even more deeply about how it can be demonstrated in the most unusual of activities.

Beautiful You, Beautiful Me

Written by Tasha Spillett-Sumner

Illustrated by Salini Perera

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-452-8

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

October 2022

 

Izzy adores her mother. Whether they are swimming or reading, braiding hair or dancing, she feels safe with Mama. But then one day, Izzy notices that her skin colour is different from that of her mother.

From Beautiful You, Beautiful Me by Tasha Spillett-Sumner, illus. by Salini Perera

"Mama!" exclaimed Izzy. "We don't match!
You're sand, and I'm chocolate."

And with that Izzy starts to see how she isn't the same as her beloved mother. She notices that her curly hair jumps out from her braids whereas her mother's smooth hair lays beautifully down her back.

From Beautiful You, Beautiful Me by Tasha Spillett-Sumner, illus. by Salini Perera

You're part of me, 

and I'm part of you.

I'm beautiful like me,

and you're beautiful like you.

And though her mother tries to reassure her with loving comfort and words, it's not until they see ducklings and kittens and baby birds that differ from their parents but are still protected and loved that Izzy gets it. Belonging doesn't come from sameness.

From Beautiful You, Beautiful Me by Tasha Spillett-Sumner, illus. by Salini Perera

There are many books about kids noticing their differences but most of those stories are about young people trying to fit in with their peers. Beautiful You, Beautiful Me is a unique perspective as a very young child recognizes how different they are from their primary caregiver, a mother who is everything to them. She's not picking up on it within the context of a large family with both parents, multiple siblings or grandparents, or even within a school setting with other children. She is noticing those differences one on one without any comparison. Just as it's irrelevant whether mother and daughter are different because of parentage or adoption, Izzy's mother's only response is that they are both beautiful people as they are and that the love is steadfast. Whether Tasha Spillett-Sumner, born of Cree and Trinidadian heritage, wrote this story for her younger self, or for her own daughter, Beautiful You, Beautiful Me is a celebration of family: sometimes different, sometimes the same, always loved.

Toronto illustrator Salini Perera makes special distinction of Izzy and her mother's differences, just as the little girl does. Their beautiful hair is distinctive in their textures and behaviour and their skin tones contrast when hands lay upon hands and they give tight hugs. Moreover, Salini Perera goes beyond their physical natures and shows an emotional context as well. Little Izzy's confusion is palpable as she observes her mother, but just as obvious is her attachment to her Mama as they connect in common tasks and togetherness. The art is fresh and bright, just as their relationship is.

Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Salini Perera have given us a mother-daughter relationship that is both conventional and exceptional, highlighting everything that makes it work. An appreciation of the differences while emphasizing the love is what makes this kinship flourish, just as it should.

• • • • • • •

For educators who'd like to use Beautiful You, Beautiful Me for teaching, Owlkids Books has a free discussion guide available at https://owlkidsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BYBM-DISCUSSION-GUIDE-FINAL.pdf