Out of the Way! Out of the Way!

Tulika Books, 2010; Groundwood, 2012

Summary

A young boy spots a baby tree growing in the middle of a dusty path in his village. He carefully places rocks around it as the local mango seller rushes past shouting, "Out of the way! Out of the way!" In this simple, lyrical story, a wide-spreading tree and a busy road grow simultaneously, as time passes and the footsteps of people and animals give way to speeding cars, buses and trucks. The illustrations, in pen-and-ink with vibrant blocks of color, have a classic folk-art feel.

The author and illustrator, who really do share the same name (except for the last letter!), have always wanted to do a book together.

Reviews

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Book Club selection

"The message to stop and smell the roses (or enjoy the tree) comes through effectively as spreads become more and more saturated with imagery that crowds out white space….A lovely, unique contribution.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review) 

“Groundwood adds yet another superior title to their long list of imaginative picture books. An accidental kind of learning occurs when reading Out of the Way! Out of the Way! — and isn’t that the best kind?” —Canadian Materials Magazine

“The title, used very effectively as a refrain throughout the book, emphasizes that change is hurrying us along much faster than we want to go.” —The New York Times

“. . . it’s a rare thing: a book about generations and growth that doesn’t come across as preachy.” —Publishers Weekly

“There is much to see and enjoy in the small paintings and drawings that make up each scene. This delightful story illustrates how tradition and modern progress can coexist in a way that benefits everyone.” —School Library Journal

USBBY Outstanding International Books, 2013 https://www.usbby.org/outstanding-international-books-list.html