Together, Right Now

By Olga Fadeeva

Blue Dot Kids 2026

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Olga Fadeeva is an award winning creator of  challenging picture books for children, based in St Petersburg and here she has produced a marvel – a kaleidoscope of life around the world in glorious colour sparked by the question ‘what is happening on Earth, right now?’

It can be day or night, summer or winter, city or country, land or sea. Page after page Fadeeva presents an incredible variety of scenes, each a total contrast to what follows, each a jumping off platform for endless discussion and exploration – from a small ship in rough seas to a busy crowded cityscape, to a Middle Eastern spice market, to a jungle, to reindeers, to tourists at the Sphinx and more. She does have the whole world to choose from but what a marvellously stimulating visual feast to share with a child.

The minimal text invites the reader to look closer, to wonder about eight billion people ‘breathing together‘, and to marvel at ‘how vast and varied our planet is‘. The stunning illustrations are powerful with strong colours and an indefinable charm that celebrates our humanity. Fadeeva celebrates humans living in their world in all possible varieties – ambling down the city street, fixing a bicycle, taking selfies, dancing barefoot, in a cafe. But most importantly it starts with an adult and child sitting on a sofa sharing this book, a lovely touch.

Here are endless opportunities for learning, discussion, and exploration for teachers and parents but readers of all ages can relish and savour anew at each reading the joy and wonder of our world.

 For readers 4+