Everybody!: You, Me & Us

Gr 1-3--Gravel ("Arlo and Pips" graphic novel series) celebrates simultaneously our individuality and commonality. Using alienlike creatures of all shapes and sizes in the illustrations, the text highlights the experiences and emotions everyone shares. "Everybody has fears," is the caption at the foot of the bed. A monster on top stares down with worry at the monster under the bed. "Everybody struggles sometimes" is on a spread featuring a character building with blocks a structure that is on the verge of collapse. In the end readers are reminded, "We are each unique, but we have so much in common." This title would make an excellent discussion prompt at the beginning of the school day, or any time throughout the year when the group needs to be reminded that no one person is more special than anyone else. VERDICT Useful for establishing group norms and celebrating the individuals that make up a community, this title features delightful illustrations that bring the text to life and will be particularly handy in school settings. Recommended.--John Scott