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IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE by Dieter Wiesmüller

IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

by Dieter Wiesmüller & illustrated by Dieter Wiesmüller

Pub Date: March 15th, 2003
ISBN: 0-8027-8854-8
Publisher: Walker

This fresh approach to giving children an appreciation for the natural world is beautifully illustrated in transparent and opaque tempera paint. The title refers to the eyes of animals, captivatingly pictured in extreme close-up on the left side of each spread, opposite an impressionistic painting of the setting in which the animal may be seen. The text challenges readers to look around them and think about the animals they may see, or that may see them first; riddle-like descriptions of the creatures whose eyes are pictured provide hints as to their identity. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to identify the animals by looking at the eye alone; if readers still aren't sure, there is a key at the back. Animals and settings from all over the world are included: a pastoral view of a farm is opposite the eye of a rabbit, the savannah is opposite the eye of a lion, and the rain forest opposite the eye of a leopard. At the very end, the text accompanying a human eye gently brings home the worthy message, “You walk through the world, master of all you see, but don't be blind to the bounty around you.” (Picture book. 4-8)