Be You!

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.

Praise for Be You!:

An inspirational picture book offers life advice for readers who want to be themselves... this book is a gorgeous guidebook for those seeking encouragement while encountering life's challenges... What is remarkable about the book is that even though the instructions and the brief sentences explaining them are at times vague, the illustrations expand on them in ways readers will find endearing and uplifting... Both beautiful and inspiring as graduation gift or guide to life. — Kirkus Reviews

Reynolds (Say Something!) is back in full affirmation mode, exhorting readers to be themselves... 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. —Publishers Weekly

Praise for Say Something!:

A motivational must-have for every collection. — School Library Journal

In this new effort, Reynolds shows readers a variety of ways a voice can be used, listened to, and heard to make a difference... Reynolds' hand-lettered text, set in white text bubbles against a mix of bright backdrop colors and patterns, deftly works with before-and-after illustrations to show the change that children can effect. This book's encouragement to kids to find their voices can also be used to start a conversation about how they can make a difference in their world. — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Word Collector:

Peter H. Reynolds always manages to walk a delicate line with his books - make that a couple lines: weighty but not weighed down. Universal yet kid-centric. No easy feat. — Travis Jonker, School Library Journal

Capture[s] the beauty of words and the wonder of sharing them with others... enchanting. - Kirkus Reviews

Packs a powerful punch... capture[s] both the joy of learning and the power of kindness. - School Library Journal

Praise for Happy Dreamer:

The message of acceptance and patience comes through clearly, and the exhortation to 'carve your own path' and 'show the world who you are' will be appreciated by anyone who has ever felt misunderstood. - Booklist

Celebrates individuality, self-expression, and the joys of being a dreamer... a liberating validation of dreaming as restorative, comforting, and powerful, while giving kids full license to be themselves. - Publishers Weekly

A sweet gift to praise spirited individuality, this choice encourages readers to dream big. Let those sparkles fly! - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Ish:

* Ish... encourages readers to see the world anew. - School Library Journal, starred review

Praise for The Dot:

* Simplicity itself, like the dot in the title, this small book carries a big message. - Booklist, starred review

* In this engaging, inspiring tale, Reynolds (illustrator of the Judy Moody series) demonstrates the power of a little encouragement... Reynolds pulls off exactly what his young heroine does, creating an impressive work from deceptively simple beginnings. - Publishers Weekly, starred review

* With art that seems perfectly suited to the mood and the message of the text, Reynolds inspires with a gentle and generous mantra: 'Just make a mark.' -School Library Journal, starred review

It may speak to formerly artistic young readers who are selling their own abilities short. - Kirkus Reviews