Outside, Inside

Cindy Helms

Set Free Publishing, 31 pages, (paperback) $12.95, 978-0-9963397-0-4

(Reviewed July 2015)

Illustrations are almost everything in Cindy Helms’ picture book about a bird who finds himself on the “Outside” of things, looking for his friends. While the bird wonders, “Where is everyone today?” readers see that bird’s friends are crowded “Inside” a whimsical, mound-shaped home. The fun comes in wondering what they are up to as they hide in the darkened domicile.

Helms effectively employs alternating words and images and just a few sentences to convey the concept of “Outside” and “Inside” and to build youngsters’ anticipation as the pages are turned. Quirky, whimsical and colorful illustrations add real appeal to the production. Bold and large wording (sometimes just a few words fill an entire page) is bound to lead adult readers to add emphasis in reading aloud, just where such emphasis would be most effective and fun.

Less obvious guidance is given as to what to call the bird. Only on the back cover is his name – Birdie – and gender made clear. Here, too, the author indicates that she sees this as “a story about friendship and the joy of giving” and, while she does show that the friends have been creating a surprise party with a cake and gifts for Birdie, the bird’s perplexed quest and the contrasting of “Outside” and “Inside” as concepts for tots are at least as important and memorable as the party.

Overall, this upbeat, appealingly illustrated production is an ideal book for adults and preschoolers to enjoy together at home, in preschool, playgroups or during library storytimes. With its surprise party plot element, it also makes an excellent birthday gift.

TITLE INFORMATION

OUTSIDE, INSIDE

Helms, Cindy

Set Free Publishing (33 pp.)

ISBN: 978-0-9963397-0-4; August 17, 2015

BOOK REVIEW

Outside, Inside by Cindy Helms

Seussian shapes and creatures dominate this clever concept book about opposites—and friendship—by debut author/illustrator Helms.

Flowers grow all over a strangely shaped metal construction; the word "outside," sided with the same type of metal collage, shows on the opposite page. The flowers remain, but the metal is gone on the next two page spread: instead of the exterior, readers see the dark interior of the building, populated by eyes of all different sizes. The word "inside," as black as the lightless inside of the building, is juxtaposed on the next page. Bird, a strange looking, multi-shaped creature with a carrot-shaped beak, can’t find any of this friends, and his thoughts wondering where everyone has gone are posed in bold-colored, bright letters. He can’t find them outside, but maybe if he knocks on the door… After a few pages of monstrous mutters, hurrying to finish last details (the reader presumes), the lights go on inside the building, and Bird is treated to a surprise from his friends. The creatures inside are birdlike, reptilian, or alien by turn, and are drawn in pinks, purples, greens, and golds, with springs for limbs and protruding eyes. The party makes Bird’s heart grow several sizes with happiness. The text, comprised of only thirty-five words, is as much a part of the imagery as the illustrations themselves. Word balloons help reveal what Bird and the other characters are thinking, and the letters are sometimes squeezed to show the hushed volume of the creatures’ voices. Most of the uses of inside/outside are truly opposites; there’s only one more metaphorical use ("inside…. inside"), where Bird’s heart expands and floats beyond his body (connected with a spring-like cord), that may perplex young readers. Otherwise, all the words are simple enough that very beginning readers will be able to sound them out, and may have a victory of reading a book all on their own. The weird creatures are child-friendly, and the colorful pictures are sure to appeal.

Helms does an excellent job combining strange and colorful art, the concepts of opposites, and a tale of a friendship surprise.