How Big is the Sky?

By Kimberley Brown

Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Kimberly Brown has used her skills as an illustrator to craft her first picture book about the various instruments we use to measure the world around us. It is a fascinating yet complex introduction to the idea of measurement for 4- to 8-year-olds, identifying a range of measurement tools yet posing the question that some things can be measured whilst others are immeasurable; providing a challenging perspective for our young readers.

There is a catalogue of measuring devices on the end pages that provide a springboard for discussion as well as a summary of the tools covered in the book. From the ubiquitous measuring tape, the scale, anemometer, thermometer and even our clocks and watches we can measure distance, weight, wind speed, temperature and time. Scientists have discovered ways of measuring the speed of light, continental drift, and how much water is in the sky and in our body. Yet, there are some things that can’t be measured such as the warmth that laughter brings, the height of adventure, how tall you’ve grown inside or how big is the sky?  

There is a beautiful interplay of the simple text and the vibrant illustrations that begin with the bright questioning cover, the end pages and throughout the 32 pages of the book. Kimberly uses a variety of mediums from colour pencils, ink, to gouache and digital drawing to provide a work of wonder and exploration.

This is a book that goes beyond measuring tools but asks the bigger questions of our amazing world. It lends itself to further discussion challenging the reader with a new perspective about other tools. I can think of a few such as the weathervane, speedometer and compass and  to look at the world around them in a new light.

Affirm Kids 2025

Kimberley Brown