Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day

PreS-Gr 3--The husband-and-wife authors present a treasure trove of positive affirmations for young readers. Each endlessly encouraging spread features an uplifting, "I am" phrase in large, colorful letters, followed by a comforting rhyming couplet presumably spoken by a caregiver. For example, one spread depicts a young Black child as an astronaut in outer space, with a statement that reads, "I am IMPORTANT," followed by, "You're here for a purpose. Your life has great meaning. Believe in yourself, and never stop dreaming." The book's empowering conclusion invites listeners to repeat the statements from the story and reminds them that they are all of those things "and so much more." Knight-Justice's warm digital illustrations portray Black children in a variety of settings, including on the playground, the school cafeteria, relaxing by the pool, playing with loved ones, and celebrating a birthday, to name a few. An end note details the writers' history of using affirmations with their children as well as hope and advice for readers to practice them in their daily lives as well. Put with Peter H. Reynolds's Be You! and Alissa Holder's I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! for a lesson brimming with upbeat and encouraging themes. VERDICT An inspiring and heartening title that will find a home in any collection.--Olivia Gorecke

Actors and married collaborators Hill and Simon share their take on fostering self-love in children via powerful affirmations. An introductory authors' note suggests that "when you say affirmations... you are actually rewiring your brain to believe what you say," and instructs caregivers on how to create a meaningful ritual by "having your child repeat the affirmation back to you, out loud, in first person." What follows is a series of "I am" statements ("I am BRAVE," "I am IMPORTANT," "I am LOVED," and others), each of which is followed by brief rhyming verse that expands on the theme: "I am CHERISHED/ Just as the dawn of each day/ is wondrous and new, / the most valuable treasure/ you have is you." Knight-Justice's digital artwork depicts kids with brown skin of varying tones exuding confidence and joy as they act out the accompanying text, modeling big concepts wrapped in an attainable, welcome family practice. Ages 4-8. (May)