Searching for Wocks

A young collector’s fierce devotion forms the bedrock of this slyly funny picture book by Knisley (Ride Beside Me). After a pale-skinned child in a bright yellow hooded jacket declares themself “an expert at wock finding,” soft-edged, chalky gouache, watercolor, and colored pencil vignettes break the action into closely observed moments. With the gravity of a seasoned connoisseur, the youth leads a patient adult on a neighborhood expedition for objects “rare and precious,” combing sidewalks with gusto before tucking the found items safely into pockets. (Among other true-to-life gestures, the trailing caretaker, seen mostly from the shoulders down, rescues a dropped mitten, checks the time, and smooths things over with a garden’s owner.) Toddler formality marks the child’s voice, which announces each discovery with authority—at the playground, the collector buttonholes fellow parkgoers and offers an infant an unsolicited geology lesson (“This sand is really just very small wocks”). A reveal of the child’s impressive collection back home affirms what the book gently champions: the world is full of treasure for those with discernment, passion, patience—and very big pockets. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3–5. (June)