Book Descriptions
for One Boy Watching by Grant Snider
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
The experience of a long school bus ride is seen through the eyes of a rural boy who is the first student to board on his route. “One boy. Waiting. For two bright headlights. Bus Number Four. Three big steps up.” From his seat he watches the view out the window, seeing trees, deer, cars, sunflowers, and an infinite sky. Eventually 48 kids arrive at school, and later in the day they get back on the bus for the trip home. Everything is described numerically, as this observant child, who has light skin and black hair, contemplates the landscape of his daily routine. Vibrant colors and a childlike sensibility infuse the introspective text with an upbeat energy. Highly Commended, 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center (Ages 4-7)
CCBC Choices 2023. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2023. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
Everyone knows what it feels like to be a passenger—and this book finally puts this universal feeling into words.
Climb aboard Bus Number Four as it travels along country roads and city streets, past train tracks and farm fields. Through the window, countless details rush by, just waiting to be noticed. What will you see today?
In this lyrical tribute to long rides and curious minds, author Grant Snider celebrates the extraordinary found within the ordinary, the fascinating hiding within the familiar, and the world of discovery awaiting all those who watch and wonder.
THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING A PASSENGER: An ode to staring out the window, to the daydream, and to observation. This thoughtful new picture book is a wonderful way for kids to think about their own commute to school.
COUNTING: Every morning, one boy watches . . . for two bright headlights, three big steps up, four rusty cars, and infinite wonders that can be seen along the way! Kids will enjoy counting the colorful worlds that slip by the windows on this journey.
READ ALOUD: With its contemplative and poetic lyricism, and bright, textured illustrations, this classic-feeling book is a beautiful read aloud.
Perfect for:
• Parents and grandparents of introspective, introverted, or thoughtful daydreamers
• Families who commute, take road trips, or enjoy long car rides
• Fans of Grant Snider's previous titles, including What Color is Night?, What Sound is Morning? and There Is A Rainbow.
Climb aboard Bus Number Four as it travels along country roads and city streets, past train tracks and farm fields. Through the window, countless details rush by, just waiting to be noticed. What will you see today?
In this lyrical tribute to long rides and curious minds, author Grant Snider celebrates the extraordinary found within the ordinary, the fascinating hiding within the familiar, and the world of discovery awaiting all those who watch and wonder.
THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING A PASSENGER: An ode to staring out the window, to the daydream, and to observation. This thoughtful new picture book is a wonderful way for kids to think about their own commute to school.
COUNTING: Every morning, one boy watches . . . for two bright headlights, three big steps up, four rusty cars, and infinite wonders that can be seen along the way! Kids will enjoy counting the colorful worlds that slip by the windows on this journey.
READ ALOUD: With its contemplative and poetic lyricism, and bright, textured illustrations, this classic-feeling book is a beautiful read aloud.
Perfect for:
• Parents and grandparents of introspective, introverted, or thoughtful daydreamers
• Families who commute, take road trips, or enjoy long car rides
• Fans of Grant Snider's previous titles, including What Color is Night?, What Sound is Morning? and There Is A Rainbow.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
