This is a sweet multicultural story that follows children all over the world taking moments to appreciate something around them. The muted textured illustrations really add to the lovely feel of this book that promotes awareness and mindfulness.

This book got raving reviews right across the board. Each page begins with the phrase 'taking time to' and is followed by poetic text and soft gentle illustrations. They are subtle reminders to stop, observe and appreciate the beauty and awe that the world offers if we only take time to engage in that invitation.

Children from around the world take heed as they pause and gather up cherry blossoms dancing free, snuggle in a dog's soft velvet fur, and feel the beat of a cat's rhythmic purr, just to name a few.

The front endpapers show a map of the world where each child originates and the back endpapers provide an opportunity for interaction as children can match details from the illustrations with each child's home.

The audience is ageless. Both young and old will benefit as they are encouraged to 'stop and smell the roses' in their journey through life.

The mixed-media illustrations are a visual celebration of cultures, scenery and animals. The last page sums it up perfectly: "Taking time to cherish you...and also cherish me." I highly, highly recommend this book.

'Taking Time' is a beautifully illustrated picture book that takes you around the world in 15 pages. It would make a nice inclusion to any world studies activities. The prose is a nice poem that would be easy to read aloud. Each two-page spread travels to a moment in time in a far off place. The message of slowing down to appreciate the small things is perfect for our fast-paced world.