textless, grows with a child
Spier's books are usually textless - so they can be "read" with very young children, any language. I believe Spier loved children and life very much, and put all his rich experience, appreciation, and wisdom into every illustration, a gift to all ages. There is more loving detail, technical artistry, and care in his illustrations than in anything I've seen on shelves today. A child can spend a long time finding more things to notice in each picture. As the child grows, other details become apparent, different meanings in each picture arise - because the child's development brings new perspective. Both my children loved these books growing up - they are 12 years apart in age and opposite genders. These have universal appeal.