Let’s start by putting this book under the microscope, much like examining the specs of a new VW model.
“How do you like to go up in a swing, / Up in the air so blue? / Oh, I do think it is the pleasantest thing / Ever a child can do!”
Robert Louis Stevenson, The Swing
In the world of children’s literature, similar to the diverse landscape of car reviews, we find familiar themes approached in both predictable and groundbreaking ways. Just as VW reviews can cover well-trodden ground yet still reveal fresh perspectives on familiar models, children’s books can revisit classic topics and unearth something entirely new. “Touch the Sky” firmly plants itself in the latter category, much like a VW model that redefines its segment with innovation. If you were to ask a children’s book expert for a quintessential picture book about swings, they might point you towards Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Swing,” illustrated by Julie Morstad. That book is indeed excellent, capturing a serene swinging experience. However, it misses the exhilarating thrill and the challenge of learning to pump – the very essence of swinging that “Touch the Sky” captures so brilliantly. For that authentic portrayal of a pivotal, often forgotten childhood milestone, “Touch the Sky” is essential, much like a top-rated VW review is for informed car buying.
Just as car reviews delve into the everyday experiences of drivers, “Touch the Sky” focuses on Vern’s routine at the park. For Vern, the swings are his go-to, his favorite feature, much like a VW enthusiast might prioritize certain models for their driving experience. Initially, Vern’s swinging is limited to basic movements – belly flops and dizzying twists. He’s missing the key skill: pumping his legs. This is his performance limitation, his need for an upgrade, if you will. Then, Gretchen steps in, offering guidance, much like expert reviews offering tips for better car performance. What follows isn’t instant mastery, but gradual progress. Vern faces frustration, the urge to give up, but he perseveres. Slowly, step-by-step, he begins to understand, achieving a breakthrough. It becomes just Vern, the swing, and the sky – a pure, unadulterated experience, much like the joy of driving a well-reviewed VW on an open road.
Playgrounds are unique spaces for children, much like VW is a unique brand in the automotive market. They frequently appear in picture books, yet few leave a lasting impression. Trying to recall memorable playground-themed picture books might bring to mind “The Swing” and perhaps “You Go First” by Ariel Bernstein. It’s surprising that playgrounds, so central to childhood, are not more celebrated in books. “Touch the Sky” fills this gap, becoming a standout in the playground genre, much like a highly-rated VW stands out in its class.
Interestingly, much like some car reviews focus solely on the driver’s experience, “Touch the Sky” is remarkably kid-centric, a parent-free zone. Adults are absent from the narrative, allowing the focus to remain entirely on Vern’s learning journey. While we can assume adults are present, giving Vern initial pushes, they are intentionally removed from the core story. This exclusion amplifies the emotional impact of Vern’s independent achievement. Just as a driver’s review focuses on their personal interaction with the car, this book focuses on Vern’s personal journey, free from adult interference.
What makes a truly exceptional picture book, much like what elevates a car review from good to great? It starts with exceptional writing. Just as VW reviews scrutinize every detail of a car’s performance, we examine the writing in “Touch the Sky.” There’s a moment in every great book, similar to the moment a car review highlights a standout feature, that captivates the reader. For this reviewer, that moment arrives on page ten with Gretchen’s introduction.
The book introduces Gretchen with a series of hilarious parental exclamations: “Gretchen, stop licking your scab!” “Gretchen, dig up your brother right now!” “Gretchen – do NOT pet that cat with your cheese!” This sequence immediately endears Gretchen to the reader, establishing her as a memorable character, much like a well-written car review introduces compelling aspects of a vehicle. Creative writing instructors could use this passage as an example of instant audience engagement.
Beyond clever writing, “Touch the Sky” effectively portrays the challenge of learning something new. It avoids the “Elmo Effect,” where success comes too easily. Unlike a simplified learning sequence, Vern’s journey is realistic. The book emphasizes Vern’s frustrations (“Giving up felt easier than trying again”, “He could get off the swing now. Gretchen would never know he gave up”) and the sustained effort required. Even after the breakthrough, progress is gradual, mirroring the realistic learning curve of any skill. This authenticity is crucial, much like honest VW reviews that highlight both strengths and weaknesses.
Just as car reviews often comment on design and aesthetics, the illustrations in “Touch the Sky” by Chris Park deserve high praise. While the publication page mentions “mixed media,” Park’s artistic approach transcends typical playground book visuals. His color palette is striking, particularly Vern’s hair, rendered in blues, purples, and pinks, and Gretchen’s radiating purples and pinks. Park’s dynamic angles and nuanced page compositions elevate the book’s visual appeal. The shot of Vern swinging from below, silhouetted against the sun, and the expressive body language, like Vern’s feet tightening when Gretchen first speaks to him, are particularly noteworthy. Even sequences depicting Vern’s struggles are visually inventive, transforming into window-like panels and abstract shapes. Park’s artistry transforms a potentially ordinary playground setting into something magical, much like a well-designed VW interior enhances the driving experience.
While a good premise, stellar art, and strong writing are essential, a truly great picture book, like a truly exceptional car, needs heart. “Touch the Sky” possesses this crucial element. In a pivotal moment, after Vern masters pumping, he encounters another child observing him with envy. Instead of boasting, Vern’s response is empathetic: “It feels hard until you get it, and then it’s not . . . Do you want to learn how?” This moment of kindness elevates the book, providing a heartwarming message about sharing and encouragement, qualities often valued in community reviews, including VW owner groups. The endpapers, filled with words like “PUMP”, “AGAIN”, “SKY”, “TUCK”, “TIP”, encapsulate the joy of mastery and the spirit of learning together.
This book is exceptional. It exemplifies the harmonious blend of humor, heart, beautiful art, and insightful text. It takes a familiar concept and presents it in a fresh, captivating way. It’s a memorable read, far exceeding the standard picture book. “Touch the Sky” achieves a level of magic that sets it apart, much like top VW models stand out in their respective categories based on expert and user reviews. Reading this book to a child is a favor you’ll both appreciate, an experience as rewarding as finding the perfect car after thorough VW reviews research.
On shelves May 7th.
Source: E-galley sent from publisher for review.
And now, insights directly from the creator, Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic…
Betsy Bird: Stephanie! It’s always a pleasure. “Touch the Sky” is truly outstanding, a personal favorite of the year. It’s remarkable that no picture book has focused on learning to pump on a swing before. What was the spark of inspiration for this book?
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic: Betsy! Thank you, your insightful questions are always a joy!
I’m thrilled you connected with “Touch the Sky.” It is surprising this topic hasn’t been explored before. Perhaps it’s perceived as a “small moment” in a child’s physical development, unlike grander milestones like diving or biking. Selling the concept, we encountered passes suggesting it wasn’t “special enough,” which is ironic given the lack of existing books on the subject!
Describing the physical act of pumping proved challenging. It’s hard to articulate the coordination required to gain momentum.
The idea stemmed from observing my own children learning to pump. It made me realize how difficult it is to recall not knowing something once you’ve mastered it. My youngest child struggled longer than his older brother, and explaining it to him, both verbally and physically, was a challenge. His friends’ “it’s so easy!” attitude further highlighted the frustration. This sparked memories of my own swing experiences – the joy, the leaps, even the uncomfortable rubber seats in summer, and swinging with a sweetheart. Recognizing the deep emotions embedded in this iconic childhood moment, I felt compelled to capture it in a story for everyone.
BB: A key strength of the book is its avoidance of the “Elmo Effect.” Vern’s progress is gradual, with real frustration and effort. Why was this realistic portrayal important to you?
SVWL: Authenticity was crucial. Learning to pump, bike, or dive takes time, effort, and involves genuine setbacks. I disliked books that trivialized challenges, making kids feel inadequate or misled. I aim to validate children’s complex feelings. They might desire to learn but also struggle with the effort and frustration. Shame, impatience, and self-doubt are all part of the process, and I wanted to acknowledge these emotions honestly.
BB: “Gretchen stop licking your scab” is a line that stands out! And the names Gretchen and Vern are distinctive. What inspired these choices?
SVWL: Beatrice Alemagna and I embrace the reality of scabs! That line, and “Don’t pet that cat with your cheese,” are actually things I’ve said to my children. I kept journals of their funny sayings and actions, including my own parental pronouncements.
The names Vern and Gretchen are intentionally less common today, making them stand out. They are also a nod to my parents, both in their 80s. It amused me to place their names in a children’s park story.
BB: The feeling of wanting to give up, to just lie in the wood chips, is so relatable. Depicting frustration effectively is challenging. How many drafts did it take to get it right?
SVWL: I lose track of drafts, often overwriting instead of saving new versions. But this one likely went through at least seven drafts before submission. Early drafts showed Vern’s frustration, but not the wood-chip-lying, giving-up level of despair. That came around draft two, and the idea of Gretchen not knowing if Vern quit emerged around draft five. That element felt essential to convey the internal struggle when giving up seems easier. No one’s watching, so you could just walk away, right?
BB: How much did the book evolve from the initial draft? Were there elements you had to cut that you liked?
SVWL: It’s significantly stronger than the first draft. The ending was rushed initially, and I didn’t fully develop the physical learning process. I hesitated to focus on that, fearing it would lack action and slow the pace.
Two lines I liked but removed were: “Herb itched wood chips out of his shorts and tried again” and “Anastasia ran backwards until her tip toes were barely grasping the ground.” They were likely cut for brevity, especially when working with the art. The names Herb and Anastasia were also changed, deemed potentially difficult to read aloud. But I still like Herb as a funny, old-fashioned name and hope to use it again. Ultimately, the changes strengthened the book, and I’ve learned to embrace “killing my darlings” in the writing process.
BB: Chris Park’s illustrations are stunning! Were you familiar with his work beforehand? What are your thoughts on the final art?
SVWL: Chris’s art is incredible. I wasn’t familiar with his work initially, but when Carolrhoda/Lerner suggested him, I was immediately enthusiastic. I was eager to see his interpretation, and I was absolutely blown away.
Working with Carolrhoda/Lerner Books has been fantastic. My editor, Carol Hinz, and designer, Danielle Carnito, generously included me in every stage of the book’s creation. As a text-only author, such involvement is rare. I had the opportunity to react to everything! My feedback was mostly just: “I love this!” and “Amazing, no notes!” The final product is truly joyful and astonishing. I haven’t seen another picture book that looks quite like it, and I hope to collaborate with Chris on many future projects.
BB: You are very busy! What upcoming projects can we look forward to?
SVWL: Yes! By the time this Q&A is published, my verse novel, “HUMMINGBIRD SEASON,” about distance learning during the pandemic, will be out. It’s a very important book to me. I want kids to feel seen and validated in their pandemic experiences, which were often dismissed as adults tried to return to “normal.” I also hope it serves as an emotional historical record for younger children who don’t remember that time.
In 2025, I have an adorable zombie book, illustrated by Laan Cham, about a zombie boy who pets a baby brain, and a lockdown drill anxiety book with Random House Kids, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. There’s also a secret picture book, my very first attempt, finally coming out after ten years!
Thank you to Stephanie for her insightful answers and to Lindsay Matvick and Lerner for making this happen. “Touch the Sky” will be available May 7th at bookstores and libraries.
Filed under: Best Books, Best Books of 2024, Interviews, Review 2024, Reviews
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About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she’d love to tell you about but that she’s sure you’d find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
