★"A long school bus trip through farmland forms the scaffolding of this counting meditation by Snider. . . Sunrise colors illuminate colored pencil and marker spreads. . . The sanctuary of unchanging routine allows the boy to devote attention to the beauty of the ordinary world across space and time—something that Snider represents as both worthwhile and deeply human."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
A New York Times pick for Best Children's Books of 2022.
Everyone knows what it feels like to be a passenger—and this book finally puts this universal feeling into words.
Climb aboard Bus Number Four as it travels along country roads and city streets, past train tracks and farm fields. Through the window, countless details rush by, just waiting to be noticed. What will you see today?
In this lyrical tribute to long rides and curious minds, author Grant Snider celebrates the extraordinary found within the ordinary, the fascinating hiding within the familiar, and the world of discovery awaiting all those who watch and wonder.
THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING A PASSENGER: An ode to staring out the window, to the daydream, and to observation. This thoughtful new picture book is a wonderful way for kids to think about their own commute to school.
COUNTING: Every morning, one boy watches . . . for two bright headlights, three big steps up, four rusty cars, and infinite wonders that can be seen along the way! Kids will enjoy counting the colorful worlds that slip by the windows on this journey.
READ ALOUD: With its contemplative and poetic lyricism, and bright, textured illustrations, this classic-feeling book is a beautiful read aloud.
Perfect for:
- Parents and grandparents of introspective, introverted, or thoughtful daydreamers
- Families who commute, take road trips, or enjoy long car rides
- Fans of Grant Snider’s previous titles, including What Color is Night?, What Sound is Morning? and There Is A Rainbow.
★"A long school bus trip through farmland forms the scaffolding of this counting meditation by Snider. . . Sunrise colors illuminate colored pencil and marker spreads. . . The sanctuary of unchanging routine allows the boy to devote attention to the beauty of the ordinary world across space and time—something that Snider represents as both worthwhile and deeply human."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[One Boy Watching is a] contemplative picture book that bears watching."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Brightly colored illustrations, with soft edges and scribbly details, pair beautifully with the spare, well-paced prose. Repetition throughout conveys the bus ride's routine nature, but, paired with the art, it emphasizes how varied—and intriguing—it can be. Here observing becomes not just a way to pass time but an opportunity to engage with the outside world."
—Booklist
"In brightly endearing illustrations…a boy's trip to and from school is captured through the many things that can be counted and observed. A solid title for sharing with children working on descriptive writing and for those communities where bus riding is part of the day, [One Boy Watching] is a beautiful homage to that childhood experience."
—School Library Journal