by Peter H Reynolds (Author) Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
A New York Times Bestseller! Creative visionary of The Word Collector, Happy Dreamer, and The Dot, #1 New York Times bestseller Peter H. Reynolds creates a joyful celebration of individuality--and staying true to Y-O-U!
Be curious...Be adventurous...Be brave...BE YOU! Discover a joyful reminder of the ways that every child is unique and special, from the beloved creator of The Dot, Happy Dreamer, and New York Times bestseller, The Word Collector. Here, Reynolds reminds readers to be your own work of art. To be patient, persistent, and true. Because there is one, and only one, YOU. In the tradition of books like Oh, the Places You'll Go! and I Wish You More comes a wholly original, inspirational celebration of individuality as only Peter H. Reynolds can create!
WorldCat is the world's largest library catalog, helping you find library materials online.
Reynolds (Say Something!) is back in full affirmation mode, exhorting readers to be themselves and breaking down what that means into a series of refrain-like "Be" statements ("Be curious," "Be okay being alone"). Each gets a spread: on the left is a bright, poster-like vignette showing a child who embodies the desired character trait, while the right page offers a brief exegesis. "Be connected," for example, shows two kids smiling broadly while riding on a tandem bike as the text explains, "Find kindred spirits./ Be with those who make you feel/ like the real you." The statements pile up; taken together, readers may start feeling like all this encouragement blends into one tall order. Only one breaks with the format ("Be persistent" sits on a striking spread of a child intently but successfully sailing through a thunderstorm), and only one acknowledges that life can be truly overwhelming ("Be okay with reaching out for help" finds a flailing child being handed a life preserver). But any reader feeling the pressure to conform to expectations may find great comfort in knowing this book is on a nearby shelf, at the ready to offer up good counsel. Ages 4-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Mar.)
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.PreS-Gr 1—An exhortation to "be you." Life, the opening implies, is full of possibilities, and with each turn of the page, the narrator passes along a wish in the voice of a parent. Short exclamations like "Be curious," "Be different," and "Be your own thinker" proudly sit above illustrations of children drawn in Reynolds's charming style. These exclamations are expanded upon by wise words. Even on the facing pages, the text is kept brief. As befits the identity theme, the youths come from different ethnic and racial backgrounds and they participate in whatever activity suits them. VERDICT From the rainbow hues to its heartfelt messages, this title beams positivity. Share this one with those who adore Nancy Tillman's odes.—Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.PETER H. REYNOLDS is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of many books for children, including Happy Dreamer, The Word Collector, Say Something!, Be You!, and Our Table. He is also the illustrator of When Thing Aren't Going Right, Go Left by Marc Colagiovanni. His books have been translated into over 25 languages around the globe and are celebrated worldwide. In 1996, he founded FableVision with his brother, Paul, as a social change agency to help create "stories that matter, stories that move." He lives in Dedham, Massachusetts, with his family.