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Beneath
In this stunning story from New York Times bestselling creator Cori Doerrfeld, a child and their grandfather take a walk in the woods and discover more about themselves.
Finn is in a horrible mood and doesn't want to talk about it. After some persuading, though, they agree to go for a hike with Grandpa. Throughout their forest walk, they see many different things: big, strong trees with networks of roots growing underneath, still water with schools of fish swimming below, and an expectant bird with eggs nestled under her. It’s when the pair pass fellow hikers that Finn realizes that people, just like the elements of nature, are more than they appear. Grandpa explains that sometimes beneath a person who seems like they won't understand what you’re feeling, is someone feeling the exact same way.
This sweet and tender picture book celebrates our similarities, differences, and that there's always more under the surface of what we can see.
Finn is in a horrible mood and doesn't want to talk about it. After some persuading, though, they agree to go for a hike with Grandpa. Throughout their forest walk, they see many different things: big, strong trees with networks of roots growing underneath, still water with schools of fish swimming below, and an expectant bird with eggs nestled under her. It’s when the pair pass fellow hikers that Finn realizes that people, just like the elements of nature, are more than they appear. Grandpa explains that sometimes beneath a person who seems like they won't understand what you’re feeling, is someone feeling the exact same way.
This sweet and tender picture book celebrates our similarities, differences, and that there's always more under the surface of what we can see.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2023
About the author
Cori Doerrfeld
51 books103 followersCori Doerrfeld lives in Minneapolis, MN with her husband and two children. She received her undergrad degree in Studio Art from St. Olaf College and her Post Baccalaureate from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She has several published titles including many self authored/self illustrated books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
August 13, 2024
سر کتاب "خرگوش گوش داد" من رو با تیلوری مواجه کردی که میخواست حرف دلش رو بزنه و گوش شنوا نداشت. حالا از فین میگی. پسربچه‌ای که زیر پتو قایم شده و دردش رو به پدربزرگش نمیگه، چون حس میکنه فهمیده نمیشه. اما پدربزرگ اون رو از لاکش میخواد بیرون بیاره. بهش نشون بده اون زیر، تو اعماق وجود موجودات پیرامونش چه خبرهایی هست. که چی؟ تا از مواجهه با پیرامون بتونه خودش، دردش، شکستگی‌هاش، تفاوت ظاهر و باطنش رو کشف کنه.
این کتاب هم برام خاطره‌بخش شد. چون بازم کنارت خوندم و کیف کردم.
این کتاب هم برام خاطره‌بخش شد. چون بازم کنارت خوندم و کیف کردم.
December 23, 2023
This is an artistically beautiful book created through digital paint. It tells the story of a Grandpa walking through the forest with their grandchild and explaining the meaning of Beneath.
So…
The dictionary defines the word beneath as “extending or directly underneath, typically with close contact.”
And…
How does this affect Grandpas teaching moments with his grandchild, Finn?
Well...
It provides Finn with an understanding of the mysteries of what is beneath the soil, or the sky, or even what happens when we hide our feelings and choose to cover ourselves with a quilt.
Thus…
Providing both the opportunity to discover more about themselves and the world around them.
Interest level: Ages 4-8
So…
The dictionary defines the word beneath as “extending or directly underneath, typically with close contact.”
And…
How does this affect Grandpas teaching moments with his grandchild, Finn?
Well...
It provides Finn with an understanding of the mysteries of what is beneath the soil, or the sky, or even what happens when we hide our feelings and choose to cover ourselves with a quilt.
Thus…
Providing both the opportunity to discover more about themselves and the world around them.
Interest level: Ages 4-8
June 5, 2023
Love this gentle story with Finn, who has big feelings and is having a bad day, so wants to stay beneath their blanket and their grandpa, who remembers what lies beneath. "Everyone is more than waht you see./Beneath appearances are experiences. Beneath actions are explantations./Beneath what's different is what's the same."
September 26, 2024
یادت بمونه اون زیر چیه. خیلی چیزها زیر پتو مخفی‌ان.
March 16, 2023
I will just be crying forever over here. This is the book I needed now and one that so many other readers will love.
April 14, 2023
Picture book perfection. Well paced. Multilayered. Illustrations help to deepen and expand and explain the text. It has relationships and feelings and science. This is a beautiful must read.
September 9, 2023
This is a beautiful and heartfelt story of a child and her grandfather taking a walk in nature and noticing that there is always something beneath what is visible. Together the pair are able to begin to acknowledge their grief and understand that they are both feeling the same. Doerrfeld’s warm and charming artwork not only depicts the story that the grandfather tells, but also hints at so much more. Quiet and profound, Beneath is a picture book that should be a part of any collection. Be sure not to miss important details on the jacket, case cover, and endpages.
May 11, 2023
5 stars. Love how the title word is expressed throughout the book, not just in the natural science of the world with things going on beneath the soil, water, etc., but also what goes on inside people, beneath their skin. I can attest to the positive effect of a walk in the forest to calm your soul. Be sure to look at case cover art for an important clue, to me it explained it all as I went back to the beginning to hunt for clues. Now that I think about it - the endpages also give an important clue.
July 7, 2023
Very sweet, very touching children's book about handling the grief of losing a loved one, and how it's okay to feel sad, and the importance of remembering that not everything is the same on the outside as it is on the inside, there is usually something going on beneath.
January 18, 2024
Like the kid on the cover, this heartfelt story made me feel wrapped up in a warm quilt. My favorite thing about Cori Doerrfeld’s writing is how she uses very few words to convey deep meaning in a natural way. Finn is a funny kid who begrudgingly leaves his bed to go on a nature walk with Grandpa, but he insists on staying beneath his blanket. Grandpa shows him there are many things hidden beneath bark, water, and even inside hearts. It’s a profoundly sweet reminder to care for what you can’t see.
5 Stars because I wish I wrote this :)
5 Stars because I wish I wrote this :)
April 19, 2024
Cori Doerrfeld is a SEL picture book queen
May 19, 2023
Finn is in a terrible mood and is convinced that no one will understand. Watching Finn hiding underneath the quilt, Grandpa invites Finn for a walk where Grandpa makes observations about nature and what is beneath the surface including the inside of plants, animals and people, underground, and underwater. A beautifully sensitive picture book that honors emotions and connections,
“Beneath someone who looks like they won’t understand…is someone who knows exactly how you feel.”
“Beneath someone who looks like they won’t understand…is someone who knows exactly how you feel.”
March 22, 2023
Finn is clearly upset, but refuses to tell his grandpa why. Finn says, “you won’t understand!” Grandpa gently asks Finn to join him on a walk outdoors. Together they observe everything that goes on around them and acknowledge that there’s more than what meets the eyes.
Lovely illustrations and a sweet little story.
Lovely illustrations and a sweet little story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'finalists-2023'
March 15, 2023Discovered here: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
April 3, 2023
What a beautiful picture book!
All about feelings, emotions, and looking at what's 'beneath'.
Very positive and uplifting.
Diverse background characters with disability rep!
All about feelings, emotions, and looking at what's 'beneath'.
Very positive and uplifting.
Diverse background characters with disability rep!
March 30, 2024
Such a cute story - and adorable illustrations- that highlight how important what is happening ‘beneath’ is an important part of what makes us who we are. I loved that as the story went on, Finn began to become braver and showing himself (instead of hiding beneath his blanket). Sometimes it’s easy to focus on the outer appearance of things and not consider what is happening below the surface - and this book was a great reminder that what is ‘beneath’ is as important as what the outer is representing.
March 4, 2023
Fantastic! What a great way to explain feelings! I love Beneath.
Themes: hurting, sadness, nature, healing, love, grandpa
This one is packed with themes.
Themes: hurting, sadness, nature, healing, love, grandpa
This one is packed with themes.
June 25, 2023
I appreciated the text of this book more than the illustration style. It reminds us of all that goes on deep inside, underneath the surface, that often goes unacknowledged or unrecognized..."It's just like when I look at the trees and remember there are parts I can't see." "Sometimes beneath what looks perfectly still so much can be swirling around." The thoughts are profound: "Beneath something solid...can be something hollow. Beneath what's falling apart...can be what's just starting to form...Beneath appearances are experiences...Beneath actions are explanations...Beneath what's different is what's the same." I think many children may not connect with these thoughts; but for the right person at the right time who is open to exploring what's going on underneath the surface, this book may hit home and provide some comfort. Good opportunity to infer what may have happened to make Finn (and the grandpa) brokenhearted.
August 20, 2023
Had to revise my review and lower star rating because something about this book was bugging me. It’s the kind of book that an adult thinks kids will like but actually only adults like. My 4 year old was so lukewarm on this, barely paid attention and never asked to read again.
In this book the grandpa shares his thoughts with his grandchild that sometimes you have to look beneath - beneath your emotions, thoughts, external appearances. It’s a sophisticated idea but again, this is someone much older explaining/sermonizing/lecturing a child.
The ending packs an emotional punch as you realize all along the grandpa has been mourning the loss of his wife and the child of their grandmother. It had me sobbing but my kid was like “mom, what’s wrong?” It just goes over a younger reader’s head. It feels like the intended audience for this book is too young to understand it.
In this book the grandpa shares his thoughts with his grandchild that sometimes you have to look beneath - beneath your emotions, thoughts, external appearances. It’s a sophisticated idea but again, this is someone much older explaining/sermonizing/lecturing a child.
The ending packs an emotional punch as you realize all along the grandpa has been mourning the loss of his wife and the child of their grandmother. It had me sobbing but my kid was like “mom, what’s wrong?” It just goes over a younger reader’s head. It feels like the intended audience for this book is too young to understand it.
January 20, 2023
A beautiful subtle book about empathy, to be able to see beyond the superficial.
April 25, 2023
Great book with a strong grandpa-grandchild relationship, a meaningful walk outdoors, and the reminder that beneath the things we see lie many other things.
May 24, 2023
The illustrations really captured my heart or maybe it was the story that had me tearing up just a little. Thank you for the empathy shown here.
October 3, 2023
Finn is feeling upset, and his grandpa wants to help him. However, Finn is reluctant to talk to his grandpa, believing he won't understand his problems. To connect with Finn, his grandpa asks if they can walk together. Finn agrees hesitantly, wrapping himself in his blanket as they walk. During their walk, his grandpa doesn't push Finn to talk but tells him he will think about what's bothering him.
We picked this book based on a previous read. The book explores two crucial aspects to help us deal with our problems. First, taking a diversion, such as walking, can help us step away from our present issues and gain a more objective perspective. Second, having a trusted friend or family member who can support us during tough times is invaluable. They can empathize with our problems and even offer solutions. The illustrations in the book are also very appropriate for the storyline.
Cori Doerrfeld's Beneath tells the story of a walk in the woods that transforms into a journey of self-discovery. The protagonist's growth and exploration journey are inspiring and beautiful for the readers as the story progresses.
For full review and rating, visit Nothing But Picture Books
We picked this book based on a previous read. The book explores two crucial aspects to help us deal with our problems. First, taking a diversion, such as walking, can help us step away from our present issues and gain a more objective perspective. Second, having a trusted friend or family member who can support us during tough times is invaluable. They can empathize with our problems and even offer solutions. The illustrations in the book are also very appropriate for the storyline.
Cori Doerrfeld's Beneath tells the story of a walk in the woods that transforms into a journey of self-discovery. The protagonist's growth and exploration journey are inspiring and beautiful for the readers as the story progresses.
For full review and rating, visit Nothing But Picture Books
March 1, 2023
If this isn’t the most beautifully illustrated, heartwarming and empathetic look at emotions I don't know what is! What a magical way to teach kids about empathy and understanding that being human means we all carry something with us, and therefore we should all be kind to one another! I adored how easy to understand this was for kids while also giving adults a compassionate way to look at their own difficult emotional experiences. Like the grandpa in the book describing anxious thoughts as a boat on a still lake and pointing out, "Sometimes beneath what looks perfectly still...so much can be swirling around." Or, another wonderfully compassionate way to look at things that may seem like failure or something ending is to look at it like, "Beneath what's falling apart...can be what's just starting to form." My favorite lines though have to be: "Everyone is more than what you see. Beneath appearances are experiences. Beneath actions are explanations. Beneath what's different is what's the same. And sometimes...Beneath someone who looks like they won't understand...is someone who knows exactly how you feel." I loved how this taught how readers (and reminded adults) to have compassion and empathy for the many facets of being human, while also celebrating the wonder and magnificence of nature. What an amazing little book!
September 5, 2023
I really loved the concept for this book. We start the story with a kid named Finn who is really having a bad day. His grandfather suggests a walk where he talks to him about what's going on 'beneath.' We start with the obvious - what's going on beneath your feet? I love the idea of seeing past the surface to roots and animals and the like. This alone would have made a great book, but there was more.
Then the grandfather takes him into the concept of whats going on just beneath the surface of other things. Like people. How we all have thoughts and feelings that others can't see just by looking at them. You have to have an understanding of what's 'beneath.'
In the end the child learns about empathy and trust. They see that whatever is 'beneath' is an opening into trusting others with what's going on just beneath the surface of themselves as well. What I love is the child is beneath a blanket throughout this and now we discover what's beneath the child.
Overall, this is a fairly remarkable book about emotions and one worth reading to your child. It's such an awesome concept though, be ready to have a discussion as well, and learn a little about what lies beneath the surface of them in that moment too.
Then the grandfather takes him into the concept of whats going on just beneath the surface of other things. Like people. How we all have thoughts and feelings that others can't see just by looking at them. You have to have an understanding of what's 'beneath.'
In the end the child learns about empathy and trust. They see that whatever is 'beneath' is an opening into trusting others with what's going on just beneath the surface of themselves as well. What I love is the child is beneath a blanket throughout this and now we discover what's beneath the child.
Overall, this is a fairly remarkable book about emotions and one worth reading to your child. It's such an awesome concept though, be ready to have a discussion as well, and learn a little about what lies beneath the surface of them in that moment too.
October 29, 2024
I love, love, love this book! It came very close to being a tear-jerker for me. The sad part of the book is very subtle, so adult readers can decide if they want to highlight it.
The sad part revolves around a small child and grandfather dealing with loss,
The story follows the grandfather talking the child into taking a walk with him. He comforts the child by noting the things hidden beneath something else in nature and with people.
I love the artwork on the cover and the concept of the book. I wasn't sure if I would be able to use it for story time with the hint of loss, but I think it is so subtle that I can share it and let the kids know that the grandfather and grandchild are sad and leave it at that (parents and guardians can choose to do more with the story if they want).
The sad part revolves around a small child and grandfather dealing with loss,
The story follows the grandfather talking the child into taking a walk with him. He comforts the child by noting the things hidden beneath something else in nature and with people.
I love the artwork on the cover and the concept of the book. I wasn't sure if I would be able to use it for story time with the hint of loss, but I think it is so subtle that I can share it and let the kids know that the grandfather and grandchild are sad and leave it at that (parents and guardians can choose to do more with the story if they want).
October 26, 2023
As a young child wanders through the forest, beneath a patchwork quilt, they are able to see through to what is happening “underneath”. When Grandpa, who is the leader of the walk through the woods, points out that he likes to look at trees and remember what is underneath the bark and see what is underneath the soil (the roots), the little kid starts to emerge from beneath the quilt. Beneath the water, we can see fish. Beneath the bird on the next, we can see eggs. Beneath the skin of animals, we can see bones. As we get to the end of the journey we understand that sometimes people can see beneath and see how a person is feeling and then can help.
Illustrations are rendered in digital paint so have a canvas like quality. Characters are slightly cartoonish and diverse melding into their fun backgrounds with lots of color and spirit. Again, the double page spreads are filled from corner to corner with color and texture each lending to the story of what’s hidden as we gradually watch the small child emerge from beneath.
Illustrations are rendered in digital paint so have a canvas like quality. Characters are slightly cartoonish and diverse melding into their fun backgrounds with lots of color and spirit. Again, the double page spreads are filled from corner to corner with color and texture each lending to the story of what’s hidden as we gradually watch the small child emerge from beneath.
April 13, 2024
5 stars (I loved it)
Finally a black eyed susan nominee for next year that lived up to my expectations! Doerrfeld, author of The Rabbit Listened, gives us another wonderful picture book about how you can be there for someone who is struggling.
The illustrations are wonderful. The little nods to science topics when the grandpa is pointing out things that might be beneath is great too!
Finally a black eyed susan nominee for next year that lived up to my expectations! Doerrfeld, author of The Rabbit Listened, gives us another wonderful picture book about how you can be there for someone who is struggling.
The illustrations are wonderful. The little nods to science topics when the grandpa is pointing out things that might be beneath is great too!
October 5, 2024
I loved the deep, colourful illustrations of this picture book and the simple but moving story.
Finn was in a horrible mood. Grandpa wanted to talk about it, but Finn thought he wouldn't understand. They go for a walk, with Finn under his blanket, and Grandpa says that's ok, he'll remember what's beneath ... like when he looks at the trees and remembers the parts he can't see growing deep below; or looks at the boat on the water with so much swirling around beneath; or a bird's nest (eggs); or what the fox is digging for (squirrels and other critters in their dens); or the inside of a tree... Beneath what's falling apart ... can be what's just starting to form ... Beneath what's happening on the outside is what's happening on the inside (of plants, animals, and people).
Everyone is more than what you see. Beneath appearances are experiences. Beneath actions are explanations. Beneath what's different is what's the same.
As they go on this journey, Finn's blanket creeps lower and lower, as Finn begins to understand that Grandpa can understand. A beautiful story.
Finn was in a horrible mood. Grandpa wanted to talk about it, but Finn thought he wouldn't understand. They go for a walk, with Finn under his blanket, and Grandpa says that's ok, he'll remember what's beneath ... like when he looks at the trees and remembers the parts he can't see growing deep below; or looks at the boat on the water with so much swirling around beneath; or a bird's nest (eggs); or what the fox is digging for (squirrels and other critters in their dens); or the inside of a tree... Beneath what's falling apart ... can be what's just starting to form ... Beneath what's happening on the outside is what's happening on the inside (of plants, animals, and people).
Everyone is more than what you see. Beneath appearances are experiences. Beneath actions are explanations. Beneath what's different is what's the same.
As they go on this journey, Finn's blanket creeps lower and lower, as Finn begins to understand that Grandpa can understand. A beautiful story.
February 8, 2023
Really nice picture book for preschool to young school-age children. The book is about a boy who starts the story "beneath" a blanket "in a horrible mood" and didn't think anyone would understand. His grandpa asked him to go on a walk and described what may be "beneath" the things they were seeing - roots beneath the canopy of trees, fish underneath the boat, animals that are burrowing underneath the ground in a world we can't see....all the way to what may be "beneath" the people we meet. "Everyone is more than what you see. Beneath appearances are experiences. Beneath actions are explanations. Beneath what's different is what's the same....beneath someone who looks like they won't understand is someone who knows exactly how you feel." I really love the illustrations and the focus of this picture book on mental health, empathy, and nice observations about nature. A read-aloud possibility for ages 3-7.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews