Starred Review Otoshi is notable for books that are both lovely in their simplicity and their ability to make children (and adults) think. Previous books One (2008), Zero (2010), and Two (2014) all dealt with some of the difficulties of childhood and how to resolve them. This title, based on exchanges coauthor Baumgarten had with his young children, highlights the possibilities that exist, even for little ones, to make the world a better place. "What will your beautiful hands do today?" is the question that leads off the book, and the answers are many. Will they plant? And, if so, "What can you plant?" Ideas, perhaps. "What can you touch?" Hearts. "What can you lift?" Spirits. Each double-page spread features a bold image ch as a bird, a butterfly, or a dragon enched in color against a pure white background, with handprints used to form and texture a great deal of the images and text. An arresting penultimate spread of a tree whose canopy is formed of handprint leaves is also filled with ideas children can reach for: peace, truth, faith, hope, and dreams. Books are often either useful or touching, full of message or full of wonder. This one has both in abundance.

PreS-Gr 1 This colorful concept book will inspire creativity in children and teachers alike. Baumgarten's inspiration for creating the work was holding the hands of his children and asking, "What will your beautiful hands do today?" This book asks questions on each spread (e.g., "Will they [your hands] lift?&30;What can they lift?") and uses simple or complex handprints to illustrate. Young elementary school students have made turkeys and flowers with their handprints for years, but these illustrations take handprints to another level. The primary and secondary colors jump off white backgrounds and demonstrate that handprints can be more complex when hands swoosh and swirl, or tiny fingertips create big images. The text is spare but encourages stretching imaginations and thinking of the wonderful possibilities each new day brings. VERDICT A first purchase for preschool and kindergarten audiences that would work well to stimulate art activities or the introduction of primary colors and color mixing. Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren &; Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME