In-Between Places

“Sometimes you’ll find yourself in the place/ between where you’re going// and where you’ve been.” In this absorbing philosophical picture book focusing on the beauty of transitions, concise prose by Killian describes in-betweenness (“bridges and ladders,/ staircases and slides”), while simultaneously encouraging choice, risk-taking, and patience (“Sometimes in-between places lead/ to just where you wanted to be./ Sometimes they lead/ to more in-between places”). McFerrin’s page-filling ink and digital artwork renders text’s metaphorical meaning with mesmerizing patterns. On one spread, a mint and teal horizon and sea merge behind a venturing sailboat; on another, figures stare down a tunnel of pink trees. Together, the creative team paints a wondrous vision of the in-between. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 5–8. (Apr.)