All the World

Liz Garton Scanlon's 2009 children's book All the World won widespread recognition (a Caldecott Honor Book and ALA Notable Book) for its gorgeous illustrations and simple, rhyming text celebrating the interconnectedness of the human experience. The same warmth and lyrical pacing infuse this beautiful, fully animated adaptation, narrated by actress Joanne Woodward, which follows a multicultural family's activities throughout the day as they go from the seashore to a farmer's market, weather a rainstorm, and end the evening with relatives and friends. Each scene closes with the refrain “All the world's a…,” reinforcing the theme of universal experience and affirming the importance of all things great and small. The animation carefully preserves award-winning illustrator Marla Frazee's style, and the transitions between stanzas are creative and lovely. DVD extras include an interview with Frazee, and a read-along option. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (E. Gieschen)