• Age: 4 to 18
• Grade: p to 12

A boy ponders his place in the universe in this thoughtful story about the things that keep us up at night.

One night, a little boy goes to bed, but instead of sleeping, he starts thinking all kinds of thoughts. Dangerous thoughts. Admirable thoughts. Questionable thoughts. Beautiful thoughts … until a very serious thought occurs to him. If Earth is just a tiny marble floating in space, and he is but one child among many living on this marble, what does his existence matter in the grand scheme of things?

Deceptively simple black-and-white drawings poignantly illustrate the boy’s journey as he considers this serious thought. This thought-provoking story by Estonian artist Jonas Taul will resonate with anyone who has ever been kept awake at night by life’s big questions.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

JONAS TAUL is an Estonian-born artist who has studied audiovisual art and animation. His work has been exhibited in Estonia and he is currently working on adapting one of his books into a short stop-motion animated film.

Jonas Taul's profile page

[Young readers] will understand how comfort can be found in life’s little things.

Booklist

Thought-provoking and genuine.

Foreword