What Makes Us Human

Lovely...satisfying...appealing...

Thought-provoking . . . engaging . . . Forlati's digital illustrations represent both literal and figurative interpretations of the text and beg to be re-examined by the reader . . . [a] fine book.

Gr 2-6--What separates humans from all other species is the ability to speak, read, write, and hear language. With close to half of the world's languages threatened by extinction by the year 2100, this book offers some information and purpose. Done in riddle format, the story gives readers clues as to what makes language unique. Written from the unusual perspective of language's point of view, it will make readers wonder more with every turn of a page. Simple yet effective text features one or two sentences that provide clues or riddles for readers to try and guess. "I am everywhere. In every country, every city, every school, and every house." Illustrations are beautifully rendered in earthy tones that are colorful, yet calming. People featured in the book are of many different cultures and countries shown in traditional dress. Additional information at the end of the book details the importance of different languages. VERDICT Despite being brief, the profundity of the topic of language itself hits its mark. A beautiful addition to all libraries.--Tracy Cronce

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"What Makes Us Human does what the best books do. It brings us together, celebrating our differences and commonalities while engaging the reader with beautiful illustrations and text that challenges and rewards."

- Sydney Smith, author/illustrator of Small in the City (a Kate Greenaway Medal & Governor General's winner) and of Do You Remember? (a New York Times Best Children's Book of 2023)

"A beautifully illustrated book about our shared humanity. An engaging read and wonderful concept."
- Felicita Sala, winner of the 2020 Premio Andersen for Best Illustrator and illustrator of Dark on Light, Be a Tree, and As Night Falls: Creatures That Go Wild After Dark (a New York Times' Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2023)

"As you cross time and space and solve a riddle full of beautiful metaphors, an amazing answer awaits at the end to make us look at our existence in a new way."
- Jihyun Kim, author/illustrator of The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky (a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids of 2022)

"A thoughtfully guided quest for the identity of a narrator both foreign and familiar. Forlati's textural mixed-media illustrations offer a map of meaningful keys and symbols."
- Ellen Heck, author/illustrator of A Is for Bee (a New York Times' Best Children's Book of 2022)

"What Makes Us Human, through its journey of searching for the identity of the narrator, opens a vast window to understanding the world and ourselves. 'I' becomes a tree, putting down roots; a river, threading time; it transforms into a beautiful song and into the thunderous sounds of a pouring bombardment. Gradually, 'I' becomes 'You' and morphs into 'Us.'"
- Hyo-eun Kim, author/illustrator of I am the Subway (a New York Times' Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2021)

"A splendid achievement by the author and illustrator. They convey a powerful message about language in a simple, moving, and effective way. I'm sure children will love it - and I suspect adults too will appreciate the universal appeal of the way they tell their story."
- Professor David Crystal, Honorary Professor of Linguistics at the University of Bangor (Wales) and author of The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language and of Language Death

"[an] intoxicating consideration of the connections between language and humanity."
- Betsy Bird (School Library Journal's A Fuse #8 Production)