As The World Goes By

By Author / Illustrator

Jonny Lambert

Genre

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Age range(s)

Publisher

Little Tiger

ISBN

9781838917159

Format

Hardback

Published

05-06-2025

Synopsis

A timely new mindful kids book from bestselling author-illustrator Jonny Lambert. When Buttons spots a beautiful blue butterfly, he is sure everyone will want to see. But among the bustle of the street and the chitter-chatter of the cafe, no-one notices . . . Can Buttons find a way to make the world pay attention to this small moment of wonder?

This lyrical, thought-provoking picture book is the ideal antidote to our busy, bustling world. With a gentle message that encourages us all to pause, take a breath and appreciate the wonder all around us, As The World Goes By is a stunning first introduction to mindfulness.

Just like You're Snug with Me by Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry, Mayfly Day by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross and On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna, As The World Goes By is perfect for any child who struggles to live in the present.

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Reviews

Maria

As The World Goes By reminds us of the beauty of creation which is so often overlooked in this busy world. In this book we meet Buttons who spots a flutter of blue... and follows a small, delicate butterfly around his local streets. Unfortunately, nobody notices Buttons or the butterfly as they are consumed by their own lives in the cafes, parks and galleries. Buttons and his two new canine friends are captivated by the butterfly's dance but so disappointed that the world is ignoring this magic so... with strength and courage, Buttons asks the world to STOP and look at the beautiful butterfly - and it does!

As The World Goes By is filled with so many opportunities and is an important book to support caring for our world and taking time to enjoy creation and sharing nature with friends. This book has the most delightful illustrations and Buttons is adorable. The end papers contrast day and night and have lots of opportunities for discussion, too. A beautiful book and story with an important message for us all to stop and admire nature and of course, to take care of our world and its creatures.

In the classroom: The vocabulary in the story is beautiful with opportunities to explore new words and phrases such as "flutter of blue" and "faded to a whisper" and many more. There are many noun phrases to read and identify which supports children's understanding of language and oracy. The text also uses lots of different punctuation which can be explored too, and the use of an ellipsis to draw attention to what is going to happen next.

This book was shared by a class of 6-7 year olds who gave it 5 stars!

Picture book / Reviewed by Maria, teacher