I can't emphasize enough, the beauty of this book. The illustrations; their layout, their colour... all seem to somehow (and i'm sure through much careful orchestration), pace the story. The text is strong and thought provoking, but for me, it is the illustrations that really drive home the issue at hand - responsibility, accountability and correction. There will aways be those who simply do not care for their surroundings, but there too will always be those who do and this book depicts that with some nurture, hope and patience from the latter of the population - beauty will once again flourish. The subtle nothingness that fills the pages lends a distinct eerie calmness to a rather chaotic scene, the main character seems strangely at peace. It is as though the character has been screened out from all the noise that surrounds him, he is focussed and nothing else seems to matter. Unfortunately this story is not a cautionary tale, it is sadly, very much the current state in which we live... but optimistic we should be and perhaps we could start 'a new...' - like our little friend who plants the seed. As i am sure you have gathered from reading my 'comment' - i adore this book. It says it is Part 1, so i am eagerly awaiting the next installment with bated breath!I hope you enjoy this book as much as i do.