“Up and Down” by Britta Teckentrup is a gorgeously illustrated picture book that explores the idea of life’s ups and downs in a way that’s digestible and soothing for little ones. The book has both emotional punch and visual sweep, with its lyrical text and eye-catching illustrations.

The story depicts the ebb and flow of life, saying that just as life has its “ups,” it also has “downs,” and that both are integral to the human experience. It teaches kid to persevere through adversity, find balance and appreciate the highs and the good through the lows and the challenged. With a gentle narrative that reassures readers that hard times won’t last forever, it makes a wonderful first step toward teaching young readers emotional intelligence.” 

Teckentrup’s illustrations are a highlight of the book. Using her diptyque of textured layers and rich, earthy colors, she crafts a striking world in which the story unfolds. The art conveys warmth and connection, rendering challenging feelings accessible. The animal characters, for example, inject a level of whimsy and everyday-ness that can help children meet the messages in the story more fully.

Britta Teckentrup has a way of combining meaningful messages with absolutely gorgeous visuals, and Up and Down is no different. That balance between being instructive and comforting makes the book a wonderfully welcome addition to any child’s library. Its themes are ageless, and its design is sophisticated enough to entice adult readers sharing the experience with their children.

For a book that builds social and emotional smarts while delighting the senses, Up and Down is ideal.