At 9:59 on Thursday morning, Jodie adds two silver buttons to her picture of a duck. While she bends to add a third, her brother takes his first step. In the other room, her mom plays a penny whistle. Cars rush by on the street outside. A jogger passes. Seagulls fly by. A baby is born in a nearby hospital. By the time the clock ticks another second and Jodie draws the final silver button, everyone in the city has moved and changed. It turns out one second really can make a difference.The Silver Button is a great reminder that while we are living our own lives, everyone else is living theirs. It would be especially good for younger children who are naturally self-centered but beginning to become curious about what goes on when they are not around. It would also be a good lead-in to discussions about what else could be happening at this very second in other parts of the school, or neighborhood, or city, or even world. There are some picture books that just warm my heart and make me smile and then I fall in love with them. This is one of those books. Jodie is just putting the finishing touches on a duck that she drew when her brother, Johnathan takes his first step. Author/illustrator, Bob Graham, then takes us on a journey showing us many other seemingly insignificant moments that happen during the exact moment of Jonathan's first step. The action pans out from the house and takes us into the wide, wide world where we see animals, children and adults experiencing life in their own particular way. The illustrations perfectly depict the thoughtful text in this unique, new book. Thank you Mr. Graham! You made my day.
What do You think about Silver Buttons (2013)?
I'm not exactly sure why, but I loved this book. It's beautiful and poetic, and just spoke to me.
—SpearDavid
A wonderfully provocative and ponderous story about perspectives, both intimate and vast.
—mmcguiremm87
Lovely and sweet and perceptive without being boring. Masterful. Highly recommended.
—Christen
