不能没有
Can't Do Without
Author | 文字作者
Gao Cai (蔡皋)
Illustrator | 图画作者
Gao Cai (蔡皋)
People's Literature Publishing House / Tiantian Publishing House (人民文学出版社 / 天天出版社)
2024
Description | 简介
不能没有太阳，不然世界会变得墨墨黑；不能没有云朵，不然谁来当星星的小棉被、月亮的小枕头？不能没有风，不然花孩子们怎么出去玩？在孩子天真烂漫的想象中，太阳、云朵、风雨、花草，以及书本、玩具、微笑和拥抱，都变成了生活中不可缺少的美好存在。从自然万物到日常生活，再到“不能没有我，不能没有你，不能没有他”，绘本用一首首简单而温柔的小诗，引导孩子发现平凡事物的珍贵，感受人与自然、人与人之间的联系，以及爱与陪伴的力量。
We can't do without the sun, or the world would be terribly dark. We can't do without clouds—who else would be the stars' little blankets and the moon's soft pillows? And without the wind, how would the flowers go out to play? Through a child's wonderfully imaginative perspective, everyday things become extraordinary: sunshine, rain, snow, books, colorful dreams, smiles, and warm hugs. Moving gently from the natural world to the people we love, the book reminds us that we can't do without ourselves, one another, or the countless little things that make life beautiful. Written like a collection of tender, playful poems, this picture book celebrates imagination, connection, and the simple joy of being alive.
Why We Recommend It
中国原创绘本艺术家蔡皋以质朴的诗歌语言与富有东方写意韵味的画面，创作了一本兼具童真、艺术美感与生命哲思的作品。蔡皋是2026年国际安徒生奖插画家奖得主，也是中国原创图画书的重要开拓者。作品的灵感来自她与孩子相处时记录下的天真话语，以反复出现的“不能没有……”为线索，将自然观察、日常生活与情感表达巧妙串联。画面融合中国水墨写意的审美精神与自由灵动的现代绘画语言，大面积留白和简洁的造型为孩子留下丰富的想象空间。故事没有复杂情节，却通过充满诗意的提问，引导孩子思考万物存在的意义，发现平凡生活中的美好，并理解每个人都值得被爱、被看见。书末的互动设计还鼓励孩子创作属于自己的“不能没有”，非常适合亲子共读、诗歌启蒙与情感教育。
A poetic and philosophical picture book by Gao Cai, a pioneering Chinese picture-book artist and recipient of the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration. Inspired by imaginative conversations with children, the book uses the recurring phrase "We can't do without..." to explore the beauty and importance of everyday existence. Its simple, rhythmic language invites young readers to reflect on nature, relationships, and the things that bring meaning to their lives. Gao Cai's expressive illustrations draw on the spirit of traditional Chinese ink painting, combining flowing lines, gentle colors, and generous white space to create an atmosphere of warmth and wonder. Rather than presenting a conventional plot, the book encourages children to ask questions, appreciate ordinary moments, and recognize the value of themselves and others. An interactive page invites readers to imagine and illustrate their own answers, making this a wonderful choice for poetry appreciation, creative expression, and meaningful family conversations.
Reading & Activity Ideas
My "Can't Do Without" Book: Invite children to complete the sentence "I can't do without..." and illustrate their answers, creating a personal picture book. Nature Appreciation Walk: Explore the outdoors and discuss why sunshine, rain, wind, plants, and animals matter. Poetry & Repetition: Read the recurring phrases aloud and encourage children to invent new poetic lines. Chinese Ink-Inspired Art: Experiment with watercolor, soft brushstrokes, and white space to create imaginative nature scenes. Gratitude Circle: Invite children to share something or someone they appreciate and explain why. Warm Hugs & Feelings: Discuss how smiles, hugs, and kind words help people feel loved and connected.