Poet Helen Frost encourages children to “step gently out” and look with care at the natural world. If they do, they may be rewarded with sights of small creatures otherwise easily overlooked. “A spider spins a silken thread and steps across the air. A praying mantis looks at you—do you know she’s there?” The lyrical narrative is set against photographs by Rick Lieder that offer an up-close look at each of the bugs and other elements of nature Frost describes, with the depth of field required to take the shots meaning the backgrounds soften and blur. The visual effect is lovely, and echoes the idea of truly focusing closely on the small things in front of you. The final page spread includes a visual index, reiterating the images of the insects, and providing a short paragraph of information about each creature. (Ages 3–7)

Stunning close-up photography and a lyrical text implore children to look more closely at the world around them.

Be still, and watch a single blade of grass.
An ant climbs up to look around.
A honeybee flies past.

What would happen if you walked very, very quietly and looked ever so carefully at the natural world outside? You might see a cricket leap, a moth spread her wings, or a spider step across a silken web. In simple, evocative language, Helen Frost offers a hint at the many tiny creatures around us. And in astonishing close-up photographs, Rick Lieder captures the glint of a katydid's eye, the glow of a firefly, and many more living wonders just awaiting discovery. Fascinating facts about all the creatures pictured may be found at the end.
Back matter includes descriptions of the insects and spiders in the book.