Jhiela Poynter

In a publishing landscape often dominated by simple bedtime stories and predictable patterns, “The VERY Important Question Series” by Jhiela Poynter emerges as a breath of fresh air. Published by Little Peaces, an imprint of Peace of Prose Publishing, this thoughtful series transforms simple questions that children ask into engaging bedtime adventures that celebrate curiosity rather than rushing to provide answers. The series, beautifully illustrated by Bhagya Rathnawera, currently comprises five books that tackle fundamental questions about the natural world, such as “What Is the Moon Made Of?”, “Why Is the Ocean Blue?”, and “Where Does the Wind Go?” Each book approaches its central question through the lens of multiple child characters, offering their own creative theories about these everyday mysteries. What immediately stands out is the series’ respect for children’s intelligence and imagination. In “Where Does the Wind Go?”, for instance, we encounter Lilly Rose, who believes the wind rushes to “a party in the clouds,” while Landry imagines it as an invisible presence that “follows us like a shadow.” Each theory is presented with equal weight and validity, teaching young readers that there’s value in different perspectives and ways of thinking. ​ The illustrations deserve special mention. Rathnawera’s artwork employs a sophisticated yet child-friendly palette, with each book maintaining its own distinct color theme while sharing visual elements that unite the series. The recurring motif of windows – whether showing a starlit sky, a windswept landscape, or an ocean view – serves as both a literal and metaphorical frame for each story’s exploration. The artwork manages to be both soothing (perfect for bedtime) and stimulating to the imagination. ​ Poynter’s verse is particularly noteworthy. The rhythm flows naturally, avoiding the forced rhymes that often plague children’s books. Take these lines from “Why Is the Ocean Blue?”: “Eli’s Momo says, the ocean’s a mirror for the sky / So the blue that we all see, is its reflection in our eye.” The language is accessible with a poeticism adult can enjoy, and the verses carry readers along like gentle waves to sleep. ​ The series excels in representation, featuring a diverse cast of characters from various backgrounds, all sharing their unique perspectives. This diversity extends beyond the visual to include different ways of thinking and understanding the world. Some characters approach questions scientifically, others imaginatively, and still others through cultural or family stories – all are presented as equally valid. ​ The physical presentation of the books is also worth noting. The format is consistent across the series, with each book featuring similar layouts and design elements that make them instantly recognizable as part of a collection. For parents and educators, these books offer valuable opportunities for discussion beyond bedtime. They can spark conversations about scientific concepts, encourage creative thinking, and help children understand that it’s okay – even wonderful – to have questions that don’t have simple answers. ​ One of the most compelling aspects of the series is its open-ended nature. Rather than concluding with definitive answers, each book ends with an invitation to wonder further. This approach encourages children to maintain their natural curiosity about the world around them. The only minor criticism might be that some readers may initially expect concrete, definite answers to the questions posed. However, it seems the hope is most children will have already fallen asleep by this point. ​ “The VERY Important Question Series” achieves something special: it creates genuine bedtime literature that soothes while it stimulates, teaches while it entertains, and respects children’s intelligence while nurturing their imagination. Overall, these books stand out as thoughtful, beautifully crafted bedtime stories that will remain in the minds of children.