Stead, Philip C. Ideas Are All Around. illus. by Philip C. Stead. 48p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter Bks. Mar. 2016. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781626721814. 

K-Gr 3 –What does a writer do when ideas elude him? He allows his adorable canine to tempt him outdoors for a walk. Stead writes in the first person, describing settings and the characters he meets: a turtle he calls Frank, who “makes quick for the dark water and disappears”; ducks who withhold any advice they may have; and a wise friend who expresses the titular opinion. The author’s voice is introspective, with a tinge of brooding just under the surface that transforms into quiet wonder when experiencing nature, kindness, and friendship. Arranged as blank verse, the sentences appear to have come from a typewriter, cleverly underscoring one of the subjects and metaphors. Stead has a gift for pairing the philosophical with the particular in poetic language; here he muses about war in response to a sign, digresses about birdcalls, and ponders destinations at train tracks. This last part includes a reproach to his dog about not walking on tracks. However, he says, “But we do it anyway.” The admonition is probably to appease sensitive adults, but combined with the flippant dismissal, it is a temporary spell breaker. The art is glorious, creatively mixing small photographs—presented as Polaroids—combining handmade monoprint techniques and collage. There is a subtle “fortunately/unfortunately” subtext in the visual and verbal narratives, and while the scenes are unified through a predominance of blue in the sky photos and painted images, the realistic/imaginary contrast supports the other dualities. VERDICT Readers may wonder if this jaunt (and resulting book) is truth or fiction. Regardless, it is a provocative, artful journey.–Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library