Frazee, Marla. In Every Life. Marla Frazee, Illus. Simon & Schuster /Beach Lane, 02/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6659-1248-8. GRADES Preschool – 1. OUTSTANDING.
Marla Frazee is back with another gorgeously illustrated picture book that takes us on a tour of the blessings that are life. Using poetry inspired by a Jewish baby-naming blessing as her text, Frazee brings her mastery of pencil and gouache artistry to life, presenting us with multiple, easily recognizable vignettes of life events, alternating with double-page spreads of one image that encapsulates the main idea of each vignette. “In every hope/blessed is the doing” demonstrates people hoping to achieve various activities, then we see a spread of a trail going up a mountain with people at different parts of the walk. Just like life. Frazee’s color palette is rich and glowing with warm, soft hues of pink, blue, yellow, and grey, evoking a sense of continuity and peace. People are presented in various skin tones and relationships. A glorious, positive achievement that does not minimize any aspect of life, no matter how big or small.
Pauline Harris—San Francisco Public Library