I AM!

March 14, 2022
“The words in this book are here to remind you how wonderful you are. Say them out loud or just to yourself,” enjoins declarative text at the start of this simple affirmation collection, a follow-up to I Will! Spreads present individual children repeating truths: “I am expressive!” exclaims text at the center of one boldly colored page, while the facing page shows a light-skinned child in a towel singing beside a bath. Medina’s thick-lined digital graphics go on to profile children with a range of abilities and skin tones smiling with satisfaction as they display calm, curiosity, humor, strength, and beyond to bright, confidence-inspiring effect. Ages up to 4.

April 15, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 Colombian author-illustrator Medina (creator of the Juana & Lucas series) gives little ones an uplifting collection of affirmations in this Todd Parr-esque picture book. It opens by saying, "The words in this book are here to remind you how wonderful you are. Say them out loud or just to yourself. The important thing is to remember them." Each of the 15 self-esteem-building statements ("I am strong," "I am confident," "I am giving," "I am curious," etc.) is written on a page with a solid-color background. The facing page features a complementary illustration of a person demonstrating the highlighted quality or behavior. Medina uses saturated colors and thick black lines to create simple, sweet figures who encompass a wide range of skin tones, ethnicities, and physical abilities, implying that these value statements apply to everyone. These are words worthy of repeated reading that all children deserve to hear. A simple but important facet of building healthy self-concept.

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April 22, 2022

PreS-Gr 1-This is an engaging book of affirmations, mantras, and guiding phrases to remind children of who they are and what they are capable of. "I am strong," "I am expressive," "I am giving," and many more phrases are illustrated with pictures that demonstrate the idea or action. The entire package cheerfully offers a very positive outlook. The characters in these pages are of many races, cultures, and abilities, though one young fellow may baffle children: "I am wise" is accompanied by a boy holding a lighted candle. The connection between candlelight and wisdom may need some explication as will the wisdom of allowing a small child to hold a candle. VERDICT Beyond one misstep, the book is a generous celebration of the individual and may find a home in collections about first meditation, guided breathing, and other calming practices.-Cynde Suite

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