I Am the Mountain
Written and Illustrated by Steven Weinberg
★"Gorgeous watercolors evoke sensations and seasons in this celebration of nature’s wonders. . . . This mountain has a knack for a poetic turn of phrase, conveyed through Weinberg’s immersive prose. Young readers (and, by extension, their teachers) are encouraged to experiment with celebrating the same thing that they love over and over in their own way—they’ll eagerly follow suit, spurred by the lovely example that Weinberg has set. A stunning achievement, inducing justified awe." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★"Serene and arresting. . . . [A] full-bodied education in encountering the natural world. . . . [S]umptuous watercolors offer plenty to savor visually in landscapes that vary between atmospheric abstraction, impressionism, and field-sketch-like detail. . . . [A] profoundly layered narrative that practices what it preaches, urging readers to slow down, attend with every sense, and appreciate the myriad ways a terrain’s riches reveal themselves." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"The dreamy, swirly illustrations are the real stars of this book, from the barest outline of the mountain in the pre-dawn light to a summer meadow to delicately drawn birds, each one is a small work of art. . . . [Offers] plenty of space for group readings and opportunities for discussion. . . . An expansively beautiful book to inspire creative art and writing projects." —School Library Journal
"Weinberg comes into his own. . . . [T]his is the title that I still feel has a best chance [at a Caldecott]. Aside from the inevitable art projects it may inspire, it’s got something that a lot of books have a hard time attaining: awe. That is to say, the literal ability to inspire awe in not just its older readers, but the actual intended audience as well. It’s seasonal, fun, practical, and beautiful. It also just screams “DISTINGUISHED!!!” when you look at it. . . . This is the book you think about when you think about Caldecott winners." —Betsy Bird, Fuse8, Caldecott Prediction Edition