• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 3 to 5

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter?

He doesn't know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the minuscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature's connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

Alison Hughes is an award-winning author of many books for children and young adults, including The Silence Slips In, winner of the R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature and Hit the Ground Running, a nominee for the Governor General's Literary Award. Alison is a university Writing Advisor, volunteers with children and literacy groups and gives frequent workshops and presentations at schools, libraries, festivals and conferences across Canada. She lives in Edmonton with her family.

Alison Hughes' profile page

Christian Down is a producer, musician and voice actor from Victoria, British Columbia.

Christian Down's profile page

• Short-listed, R. Ross Annett Award for Children's Literature
• Commended, CCBC Best Books starred selection
• Commended, Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award

"A perfect read-aloud picture book...In the simplest terms, Hughes and Hatam convey a positive and powerful message to young readers: you are not too young to make a difference."

Canadian Children's Book News

"Hughes and Hatam make the powerful point that all children can help change the world...A charming addition that teaches about the interrelationships in nature and the importance of recycling."

School Library Journal

"What Matters is brought to life perfectly with Holly Hatam's simple earth coloured drawings...and will be certain to appeal to readers of any age...A very small book with a very large message...providing excellent opportunities for discussion with young listeners in a read-aloud situation. Highly recommended."

CM Magazine

"A beguiling, environmental musing on how one small act can have far-reaching consequences."

Kirkus Reviews

"The prose flows very nicely, and the progression of the far-reaching positive consequences of the boy's actions will be easy for even the youngest of children to follow. Illustrations are mixed media, presented in calming blues and greens, and incorporating an eclectic mix of watercolours, ink, and photographic elements."

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