Review - In Blossom

In Blossom
by Cheon Yooju
Date: 2019
Publisher: Lincoln Children's Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

One day, a cat and dog meet on a bench. The cat eats her lunch. The dog reads his book. But the sun twinkles, the breeze blows, and there’s something sweet in the air…

This is a beautifully illustrated story of the joys of spring and finding a new friend.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I don't usually like picture books with so little story, but this one is just so gentle and relaxing and sweet. Cat and Dog are strangers who meet in a park under a blossoming tree. Cat is eating her lunch and Dog is reading his book. A solitary petal falls, breaking the ice between the two and acting as the catalyst for a new friendship.

The pictures are really cute. I love how Cat is eating her lunch of sushi (with chopsticks! How does a cat even use chopsticks?!) and Dog is a scholarly little fellow. The mostly monochromatic look is broken up by the softest touches of pink, and even a little green. It's a pretty book to look at, although I'm not sure if it'll appeal to kids who like their colours a little more vibrant.

All in all, this is a pleasant little picture book celebrating spring and new friendships. I'd definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5