The Children’s Book Review | March 2, 2020
Alison McGhee is the author of many highly acclaimed works. Her children’s books include the #1 New York Times bestseller Someday, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds; the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning Bink & Gollie, co-written with Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Tony Fucile; and the Christopher Award-winning Firefly Hollow, illustrated by Christopher Denise. Her novels for adults include Pulitzer Prize nominee Shadow Baby and Never Coming Back. She lives in Minnesota, Vermont, and California.
The Children’s Book Review: Which five words best describe World So Wide?
Alison McGhee: Wonder. Love. New. Gentle. Family.
Can you share a highlight from the book? Or maybe your thoughts on, or an excerpt of, your favorite sentence, paragraph, or page?
“Somewhere in the world, the world so far, the world so wide, someone is the youngest person alive.” These are the opening lines of the book, and I recite them to myself pretty much every day. Knowing that every second another youngest human is being born keeps me humble and reminds me to be as gentle and kind with others as I can. Because we were all once the youngest person in the world, you know?
If you had to take a vacation with one of the characters from World So Wide, who would it be? Why?
This is such a wonderful question! World So Wide is about a mother, a father, and their new baby, but hovering in the background on almost every page is a wee little bumblebee. I’m entranced with that little bee, and I’d love to follow it off the page just to see where it goes when it’s not on book duty.
What has been the best reaction from a reader, so far?
From Jillian Pang, to whom I dedicated the book: “This is his favorite book! He loves it!” accompanied by a photo of baby Everett perched on his dad’s lap, both of them intent on the book.
What’s on your nightstand? Any books?
There are SO many books and soon-to-be-books on my nightstand, along with New Yorkers and Paris Reviews. There are also some smooth rocks I’ve collected over the years, some sea glass from my best friend, a candle, and (dare I say it) some whiskey. 🙂
For your writing energy: sugar or salt, tea or coffee?
My favorite part of the day is my one perfect, beautiful mug of coffee at dawn. Beyond that, I love salt, and once in a while—like today—I help myself to some Lindt milk chocolate truffles. Because why not?
Writing tools: computer, pen and paper, or all of the above?
Novels and essays: laptop, on which the letters have worn off the keyboard. This happens to every keyboard I’ve ever used! Why? What is wrong with me?
Picture books and poems: By hand with a black fine-tip pen on thick paper or loose-leaf notebook paper first, then transferred into the laptop after the first bunch of drafts are finished.
Can you tell us one more thing we may not know about World So Wide, your writing style, or yourself?
Well, I could tell you, but then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore. 🙂
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World So Wide
Written by Alison McGhee
Illustrated by Kate Alizadeh
Publisher’s Synopsis: A celebration of a child’s wonder-filled first experiences, and the love between parents and child, from a Pulitzer Prize-nominated, New York Times bestselling author and a talented illustrator.
Somewhere in the world
the world so far
the world so wide
someone is the youngest person alive.
What will be the first sights they see?
Sun and moon and sky…
the love in someone’s eye?
From the magic of a baby’s first sights and sounds to a wish for a far-off day, evocative text and gorgeous illustrations are imbued with the tenderness felt between parents and child. A perfect gift for new mothers and fathers and anyone who cherishes those unforgettable moments—or dreams of a time when their children will see their own little ones smile at them for the first time.
Ages 0-6 | Publisher: Two Lions | March 1, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1542006330
Buy the Book
Learn More
www.alisonmcghee.com | Twitter: @alisonmcghee | Instagram: alisonmcgheewriter
Book Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a copy of World So Wide, written by Alison McGhee and illustrated by Kate Alizadeh!
Three (3) lucky winners receive:
- A copy of World So Wide
Giveaway begins March 2, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends April 2, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
How To Enter
- Complete the entry form below.
- Enter once daily (optional).
Giveaway Rules
- NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER TO WIN.
- World So Wide book giveaway sponsored* by Two Lions.
- Enter between 12:00 AM Mountain Time on March 2, 2020, and 11:59 PM on April 2, 2020.
- Go to https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2020/02/speed-interview-with-alison-mcghee-author-of-world-so-wide.html on a computer or wireless device and complete and submit the entry form pursuant to the on-screen instructions.
- Three (3) winners receive a copy of World So Wide.
- Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
- Winners will be selected at random on or about April 6, 2020.
- Important Notice: You may be charged for visiting the mobile website in accordance with the terms of your service agreement with your carrier.
- Open to the legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are thirteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at time of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law.
- The Children’s Book Review is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
- Prizes courtesy of Two Lions.
This speed interview with Alison McGhee, author of World So Wide, was conducted by Bianca Schulze. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Alison Mcghee, Baby Shower Gifts, Family, New Baby, and Picture Book. Be sure to follow along with our Speed Interview series, too.
