
Lane Smith's 'There is a Tribe of Kids' takes young readers on a visually rich and imaginative journey with a curious boy. As he travels through diverse natural landscapes, he encounters various animal groups, each introduced with its unique collective noun, such as a 'colony of penguins' or a 'smack of jellyfish.' The narrative subtly explores themes of independence, discovery, and the universal desire to find one's place and belonging. The book is lauded for its stunning, detailed illustrations and playful text, making it an engaging read-aloud that also introduces children to new vocabulary and the wonders of the natural world. It's ideal for sparking conversations about friendship and identity.
When a young boy embarks on a journey alone . . . he trails a colony of penguins, undulates in a smack of jellyfish, clasps hands with a constellation of stars, naps for a night in a bed of clams, and follows a trail of shells, home to his tribe of friends.