Be Still;Life Ohara Hale
The rambunctiously designed illustrations of bugs, plants, fruit, snails, and other aspects of the natural world are done in simple, warm, unshaded colors and black crayonlike outlines that echo and support the narrative's ingenuousness, as does the hand-lettered text. It doesn't take itself too seriously-some segments are endearingly silly, especially the asides of some of the critters voicing their opinions. What sets this book apart from so many others with the same theme of the nourishment derived from connecting with life is its infectious joy, delivered simply and sincerely.-STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews
Starting from the premise that everything is alive-a feeling that is deep and immediate for many children-Be Still, Life draws the reader into a still place where everything is moving. Thought-provoking in its depiction of the relationship between stillness and motion, this is certain to engage children, slowing them down through sheer fascination and delight.Ohara Hale is a multi-disciplinary artist. Born in Hollywood, California, she now lives in Montreal, Quebec. She works as a fine artist, illustrator, musician/singer, director, animator, voiceover actor, graphic designer, and art director. Hale shares her studio with her dog, Banana. Hale loves all creatures, including spiders and snakes!