What Could Be Better Than This? - Hardcover

Linda Ashman is the author of more than a dozen picture books. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

Linda S. Wingerter is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and the illustrator of several children’s books. She lives in West Haven, Connecticut.

PreSchool-Grade 2—Blending fairy-tale elements with fanciful artwork, this picture book expresses a mother and father's love for their child. Speaking directly to the featured youngster, they explain that, despite the excitement of their former lives—Papa was a dragon-chasing king and Mama was a daring sea rover—they both yearned for something more. Even after they fell in love, married, and pursued adventure side by side, they still felt a lack, asking one another, "What more could we possibly need?" Leaving behind their castle and riches, they make a new life in a forest cottage, where they welcome their baby and watch him grow. The boy shows them simple wonders—"A smooth-polished pebble, a fiery leaf"—and teaches them to slow down and appreciate the world's magic. Now content, they tuck him in each night and declare, "Nothing is better than this." Painted in rich hues, the romanticized illustrations echo the once-upon-a-time tone of the rhyming tale. Flowing brushstrokes and graceful lines add to the dreamlike quality. The text and some of the paintings are framed with gold borders, a delicate filigree at the beginning and plain bold lines at the end, reflecting the characters' change in focus. While not a first purchase, this whimsical tale makes a satisfying bedtime read.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
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