Wallflowers

In simplistic, inspirational verbiage that speaks directly to so-called “wallflowers,” Joy (One Tiny Treefrog) affirms those who “love watching and listening” and finding “a quiet spot where you can be you.” Via successive spreads, digital illustrations portray a series of children with varying skin tones whose patterned clothing matches the backgrounds behind them. Garbed in printed flowers, raindrops, trucks and cars, and more, each small-scaled figure appears almost—but not quite—invisible against the coordinated design. “But it isn’t always easy going unnoticed,” compassionate text reads, suggesting that preferring less bustling environs doesn’t preclude one from wanting to live in the world, nor from communicating. “You love to be heard,” reads one line, shown alongside a child whispering to another in an interchange so exciting that stars and splashes spray around them; “You just don’t want to have to SHOUT!” Reminding quiet readers that they, too, have things to share, Joy’s message-forward intonation assures that “You are BOLD. You are BEAUTIFUL. And you are the best in the world at being YOU.” Ages 4–8. Agent: Kevin Lewis, Erin Murphy Literary. (Feb.)