Awe!

“Introducing A.W.E.—/ an Awesome/ Wondrous/ Empowering emotion,” Stiefel and Gal (The Tower of Life) reteam to explore the nature of transcendent experiences. Awe, readers learn, isn’t the aww of encountering cute kittens but the emotional and physical experience that occurs “when chills travel down your spine,/ and sudden tears surprise your eyes.” Digitally assembled illustrations created from lush, radiant layers of pencil, ink, and watercolor capture awe in myriad manifestations. This includes small iterations, such as the delicate beauty of a butterfly, and expansive ones, epitomized by a gorgeous double gatefold that presents the Grand Canyon as a feast of radiant orange and pink hues. But awe, this lushly illustrated picture book hints, is also about the moments humans create for each other: acts of kindness shared, and “mystical, lyrical, spiritual” rituals followed. Awe, the creators suggest, exists wherever one is open to experiencing it in this reminder that wonder awaits those who pause to notice. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Creators’ notes and more about the subject conclude. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Miranda Paul, Aevitas Creative Management. Illustrator’s agent: Kelly Pelsue, Morgan Gaynin. (Mar.)