n of our connection to the natural world in this stunning picture book perfect for fans of Matt de la Peña and Loren Long's LOVE and Jason Chin's THE UNIVERSE IN YOU.

Before you were here, you were everywhere...

You were once the sunshine when it struck the trees. You were water, powerful enough to wear away mountains. You were soil deep beneath the earth.

Now that you're here, the world waits for you.

Everywhere.

Follow a young child as he explores the world around him and begins to understand that he is connected to all things -- sunshine which nourishes us, water which makes up most of our bodies, and soil which contains minerals that keep us strong and healthy.

Blending a tale of new life with real science, this picture book by New York Times bestselling author of the Uglies series Scott Westerfeld and illustrated by Sibert Honor-winning Jessica Lanan is a sweeping ode to a parent's love for their child, budding life, and the Earth that we live on.

*Includes robust backmatter that expands on the ways the natural world lives in our bodies.