ALA Booklist (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

In this poetically reflective story, scenes of a child happy outdoors and with family showcase true necessities, such as a beautiful planet to live on and a sun for light and warmth, among other essential natural elements ouds, rain, seeds, trees, air, food, and water. In order to thrive, of course, the child also needs "a land, where you are welcome, someone to watch over you." At this point, the child grows out of her nest yet always remembers to remain connected with the loved ones who planted the seed of gratitude. The simple, lyrical lines are accompanied by beautifully detailed double-page watercolor illustrations, which are expressive of the poem's serenity in their gentle pastel tones and soft brushstrokes. The scenes reflect the illustrator's memories of her childhood in China (as explained in an artist's note), including outdoor scenes and images of families together, enjoying delicious food. This is a thoughtful take on needs versus wants, but it also explores the idea of belonging, both to a community and to the wider circle of life on our planet.

Kirkus Reviews

Short stanzas from scholar Schwartz are brought to life with illustrations from award-winning artist Hu.Schwartz's free verse highlights the simple, essential needs we all have, among them shelter, sun, food, water, and clean air. Amplifying this message of our shared connection is a secondary story conveyed through the illustrations. Drawing inspiration from her childhood in China, Hu uses watercolor washes, warm tones contrasting with calming blues that create a cozy, dreamlike feel, to tell the story of a young child growing up and later emigrating to pursue their art. For a book that is otherwise so inclusive, highlighting Asian heritage and the immigrant experience, it is disappointing that the closing stanza includes among the list of needs "a hand to write"-a phrase that potentially excludes children with limb differences as well as cultures that have no written language. Nevertheless, the inviting illustrations and the overall message of interconnection between nature and humanity save the day. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A simple poem paired with stunning watercolors tells a story of unity. (note from the author and artist) (Picture book. 2-6)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Schwartz-s poetic second-person text lists life-s essentials (-All you need// is a planet to live on// a sun to give you light-) while tracing a Chinese child-s maturation into a young artist. Debut illustrator Hu-s lush, full spreads follow the child and a swallow companion-per an illustrator-s note, signifying -a messenger that brings happiness and is a symbol of homecoming--through seasons and years. Beginning as an infant with their parents, the images show the child-s growth into a young artist, who eventually travels to -a land// where you are welcome,- learns -words to share your thoughts,- and creates a book-whose cover matches the jacket of this volume-that they send to their parents. Words and images gently align (the word warmth against an orange backdrop) in this gentle register of needs that moves through physiological requirements to successful self-actualization. Creators- notes conclude. Age 4-8. (Apr.)