NEAR, FAR

Perception is everything as readers are invited to see animals from close up and afar.

Each animal is seen first on a double-page spread as a very large shape, indistinguishable as anything but the shape itself. A second spread pulls back just enough to hint that there is something more, a clue to the puzzle, while the third spread depicts the animal in question. There is no text, but there are boldly hued, intriguing, mystifying shapes. The creatures that finally emerge represent the animals in their most stripped-down forms. The alligator appears as two green mountainous bumps against a solid gold background, followed by a wavy range of bumps, before its whole self is shown. The initial shapes of the bird, mouse, and hedgehog suggest very large creatures, only to shrink to a small corner of the page. Conversely, the hippo’s close-up is so enormous that there is no shape at all, only a seemingly blank page. Each animal is a delightful surprise, staring smugly out at the audience. The rear endpapers feature more, and perhaps different, sets of curious eyes. Borando aims for a high level of visual acuity and sophistication, demanding sharp eyes and a vivid imagination. Grown-ups and little ones will want to experience the fun again and again.

Entertaining and mind-expanding