Today’s poetry picture book was originally published in Japan.

ALMOST NOTHING, YET EVERYTHING: A BOOK ABOUT WATER is a beautiful poetry picture book all about water.  Every page has a line of a poem exploring water that seems simple at first glance, but takes its time to sink in.

The illustrations by Ryoji Arai are incredible.  They use colors in ways I never expected.  For instance, I wouldn’t expect a book about water to have a green cover.  And the interpretations of water (real physical vs. metaphorical) are both present in the paintings on every page.

I fully admit that I wasn’t overly thrilled with the ending (which reads like a punchline to a joke), but I still thought I’d review the book here.  It might be a joke I don’t get because I’m not from the culture it originated in.  It might just not be my sense of humor.  But I fully believe that poetry is for everyone.  While it might not be my cup of tea (so to speak), it could be for someone else.  So I share it here for you.  Here is just one page from the book with one of my favorite images.

And if you’re looking for more poetry fun this month, be sure to check out the Kidlitosphere Event Roundup!