Infinity and Me
Gabi Swiatkowska's intriguing illustrations compliment Kate Hosford's text in this unusual story: a child's exploration of the concept of infinity.
Young Uma contemplates the number infinity deeply for the first time while trying to count the stars in the sky. She feels very small in comparison and does not know how to make sense of something so large and endless. This can be a somewhat troublesome or even disturbing concept to understand, so Uma decides to ask her friends, teachers and family for their definitions of the word.
A schoolmate describes a number that grows bigger and bigger forever.
Her grandmother describes a family as infinite. From great grandparents to grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and on and on and on. I personally found this definition lovely to contemplate.
This illustration shows Uma below and her best friend above if Uma were to stay eight years old forever as her friend grew older and older with time.
Her music teacher describes music that goes in a circle with the notes leading us around and around endlessly.
The infinity symbol of a sideways figure eight is a manageable image for Uma. But what feels the best is the size of her love for others - in this particular case her beloved grandmother. The idea of endless, boundless love feels safe and welcome.
This book is worth owning for the gorgeous illustrations alone, but the content will get the thoughtful gears of the mind spinning and wondering. My favorite part is looking for all the different scenarios Uma's imaginary chicken friend pops up in!
GRADE LEVEL: Kindergarten – 5
