Outside In

Author: Deborah Underwood

Illustrator: Cindy Derby

Summary

A young girl navigates her daily life, moving through the motions of the modern world, but with quiet reminders of nature’s subtle presence woven into her routine. From the first light of dawn to the setting of the sun, nature is never far away, gently nudging her to pause and observe, even in the midst of the busyness of life.

This story invites readers to slow down and notice the small, often overlooked moments that nature offers. Bright colors peak through windows, soft melodies of birdsong drift in the air, sweet scents of flowers or rain mingle with the breeze, and the warmth of woolen clothing wraps around you like a comforting embrace. Each of these sensory experiences, though small and fleeting, serves as a gentle reminder that nature is a part of every day, if only we take the time to acknowledge it.

Through this mindful tale, readers are encouraged to see their seemingly mundane routines through a new lens—one where nature’s beauty is more than just background noise, but an active participant in our lives. It challenges us to deepen our appreciation for the natural world, encouraging us to seek out those quiet moments of connection that ground us in the present. In doing so, we are reminded to embrace the small, mindful pauses that often feel like old friends—always there to offer comfort and renewal when we are open to receiving them.

Review

It’s truly remarkable how Underwood conveys such a profound message in so few words. She masterfully sets the stage for a stark separation between humans and nature, beginning with a young girl in a quiet forest—a powerful symbol of humanity’s historic harmony with the natural world. Then, with a simple yet striking shift, we cut to the present: the same girl, now sitting in the backseat of a car, glancing out the window as the woods pass by, barely glimpsing out—as if nature has become an afterthought. I felt a deep, almost unsettling sense of recognition, as the story echoed the countless moments in my own life where I overlooked the beauty of the present.

Underwood maintains a curious, almost observational tone, drawing attention to the subtle, often overlooked ways in which nature continues to impose itself on our senses. She highlights everyday examples that are universal—moments and experiences anyone, regardless of background, might recognize in their own lives. In doing so, she offers a quiet yet powerful call to action: not necessarily to do more, but to do less—to be still, to be present, and to acknowledge the beauty and significance of the natural world around us. The act of "doing nothing" is not inaction, but a conscious choice to stop and observe, to let the world unfold without distraction.

I was really drawn to the illustrations throughout the book. The lush, painted greenery creates a soothing, immersive atmosphere that enhances the text's poetic and meditative tone. The art invites readers to slow down, breathe, and absorb the quiet beauty of the natural world in a way that complements the story’s message.

At its core, this book conveys the healing power of nature. It reminds us of nature’s ability to ground us, to help us step out of our overactive minds and internal worries, and to reconnect with something larger than ourselves. In nature, we find a collective breath—a moment of stillness that restores balance. However, accessing this tranquility requires intention. It’s not enough to simply be near nature; we must make the effort to truly notice, to tune out the noise of our busy lives, and to give ourselves permission to pause and reflect on the interconnectedness that surrounds us.