
A parent might reach for this book after a child finds a bone in the woods or expresses a budding curiosity about animal anatomy and what happens after life. "I Was" gently reframes the discovery of an animal skull from something potentially morbid into an act of wonder. Through lyrical first-person poems and beautiful illustrations, each skull tells the story of the life it once lived: a beaver that chewed trees, a deer that grew antlers, an owl that hunted silently. This book is a poignant and scientifically grounded introduction to the life cycle, perfect for sensitive or scientifically-minded children ages 6 to 9. It builds empathy by celebrating the lives of animals, making it an excellent choice for families who embrace nature's realities with reverence and curiosity.
The book's core subject is animal death, evidenced by the skulls. The approach is entirely secular and metaphorical, focusing on the skull as a vessel for the story of a life lived. Death itself is never mentioned or depicted; it is simply the gentle, unspoken context. The resolution is hopeful and wondrous, framing the remains as a connection to the past and a prompt for curiosity, not a source of sadness.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn inquisitive 7-year-old who recently found a bone on a hike and is full of questions. This book is also perfect for a sensitive, nature-loving child who is beginning to ask questions about life and death, as it provides a beautiful, non-frightening framework for understanding.
No preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. Its tone is reassuring and lovely. A parent should simply be ready to answer questions and lean into the sense of wonder the book fosters. The author's note at the end provides additional scientific context that may be helpful. A child finds a skull, a bone, or even a dead insect and asks, "What was this? What happened to it?" It's also a great fit after a visit to a natural history museum where a child becomes fascinated by the skeletons.
A younger child (age 6) will likely enjoy the book as a guessing game, identifying the animal from its skull and its story. They will connect with the simple, poetic descriptions of the animals' lives. An older child (ages 8-9) will better appreciate the deeper theme of life cycles and memory. They can grasp more complex anatomical details and the poignant beauty of a life's story being preserved in what remains.
Unlike most nonfiction books about animal bones, which are typically encyclopedic or purely anatomical, "I Was" is a work of poetic science. Its unique first-person narrative, giving voice to the animal itself, creates a strong sense of empathy and connection. The artistic blend of science and poignant reflection makes it stand out as a book that touches the heart as much as it informs the mind.
This nonfiction picture book explores the concept of animal life cycles through their skulls. Each two-page spread features a different animal (deer, beaver, owl, bear, etc.). The text is a short, poetic, first-person narrative from the animal's perspective, beginning with "I was..." and describing its life based on the anatomical evidence of its skull. The illustrations overlay a soft, ethereal image of the living animal with a detailed rendering of its skull. The book concludes with an image of a child finding a skull in nature, bringing the concept of discovery full circle.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.