Rusch, Elizabeth. All About Nothing. Elizabeth Goss, Illus. Charlesbridge, 04/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. Preschool – 3. $17.99. 978-1623543525. OUTSTANDING .
In this striking picture book the author and illustrator use the color white and negative space to explore the concept of nothing: “Nothing is the space around and between everything – your hand, a pet, or even a city … Even when you can’t see nothing, you can feel it.” Vibrantly colorful cut paper illustrations such as the spot for a final puzzle piece or a missing tooth are used to great effect. Nothing is explained by concepts such as “that moment before something exciting happens” or something that is a part of music “what is a song without some silence?” or something that helps you read by letting you see where words begin and end. Back matter includes information about the artistic use of negative space, especially in paper cutting, as well as using silence as a tool to relax.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District