I Knew You Could Do It!

PreS-Gr 2--Life is peppered with trials and tribulations both big and small, each of which is an opportunity for growth and celebration upon its completion. On each page of this book, many different children are overcoming challenges, some of which are real, while others are more fantastical. A little girl walking a tightrope with a fawn, a little boy lassoing the moon, and a particularly brave girl staring down a dragon are just a few of the mighty feats accomplished throughout this story. Accompanying these dramatic images is the echoing refrain: "I knew you could do it." No matter how old a person is, having the support and encouragement of a loved one is critical to a thriving life. Fans of the many other titles by Tillman, including On the Night You Were Born, will love this companion book that moves from the celebration of life to the enthusiasm over accomplishments made during that life. The text is short and sweet, written in rhyming couplets with an enjoyable rhythm, and including beautifully descriptive vocabulary. Richly colored, dreamlike illustrations place real pictures of children against the backdrop of a fantasy world. Reading this story aloud is a wonderful opportunity to shower children with support and affirmation. VERDICT An excellent read-aloud for parents and caregivers to share one-on-one with their children.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

You're All Kinds of Wonderful:

Tillman's latest celebration of children's unique qualities and talents pictures kids in various pursuits, joined by animals that often take part in the fun. . . Tillman emphasizes the importance of perseverance in discovering and honing one's skills. . . She provides an ethnically diverse cast of children, and includes a young swimmer with a developmental disability. —Publishers Weekly

Nancy Tillman:

Her potent combination of unapologetic sentiment, fantasy, photorealism, and painterliness has an undeniable allure. —Publishers Weekly

On the Night You Were Born:

This is one of those rare baby books that should make both skeptics and sentimentalists of all ages happy. —Publishers Weekly

I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love:

Young children adore pretending to be animals, and Tillman's insight into the wish to turn into another creature powers this book. —Publishers Weekly