Dear Girl,: A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful You!

Rosenthal, who died last March, and her daughter, Paris, offer encouragement to girls through a series of short letters. Some of the advice and imagery is overly familiar ("Dear Girl, Don't ever lose your sense of wonder," finds the book's heroine standing in awe of a rainbow) but the missives are generally empathetic and up-to-the-minute. Readers are urged to branch out ("Find people like you. Find people unlike you"), and there's a nod to the pressures of growing up with social media: "Dear Girl, You won't be invited to every single party on the planet. (Which is really ok--can you imagine how exhausting that would be?)" Hatam keeps the mood light in drawings that combine line-drawn characters with collaged elements and color washes, though the focus on one girl with white skin and black hair relegates children of color to supporting roles. The authors are forthright in their intention to create a keepsake, noting, "Whenever you need an encouraging boost, remember you can turn to any page in this book." Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Literary. Illustrator's agent: Christy Ewers, Christina A. Tugeau Artist Agency. (Dec.)

K-Gr 3—This title from Rosenthal and her daughter Paris contains a series of short letters of affirmation and encouragement. Each missive reminds readers to be herself, be smart, be adventurous, sometimes cry, and always listen to your instincts. The mother-daughter connection is always loving and personal. "Make your room awesome. Make your room you. And while you're at it, make your bed! Hatam's mixed-media illustrations perfectly balance and illustrate the text. Watercolor, crayon, and collage are just some of the elements she uses, and her application could easily inspire a project partnering English and Art classes, or a library literary club. While this book is formatted and applicable to young readers it might find its most important audience in elementary-age girls. The text is encouraging and important and, if shared by the right adult, could have a powerful, lasting impact. VERDICT This picture book should have a permanent place on every empowering book display your library puts up. A must purchase.—Shana Morales, Windsor Public Library, CT