The Joy in You

August 1, 2020

PreS-Gr 2-This picture book has a strong message of self-empowerment. Readers are encouraged to find what action gives them joy and then go do it. The pastel colored pictures show a variety of sweetly humanized animals going off to do the things that make themselves happy, such as singing, dancing, or flying to the moon. The animals are shown both on their own and with each other. There is no narrative arc; this is a list of encouraging messages, for things to do as well as for things to feel. It concludes with a reminder that someone will always be with you, presumably the giver of the book or perhaps a parent. VERDICT There are many stronger books about self-empowerment that could be added to a library collection before adding this one.-Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elem., FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2020
A parent koala encourages its child to engage in every pursuit, and so do several other animals. The British celebrity author, host of both children's and adult TV programs, has a very positive message to spread, but there is nothing original in the lightweight text. The many animal characters pictured in diverting, fuzzy-edged illustrations engage in various activities as the text encourages them. "You can sing! If you love to sing, sing. / Shout at the top of your lungs, or whisper soft and sweet." On verso, a frog quartet harmonizes, while across the gutter, a lion is shown with open mouth roaring as a small bird presumably whispers. Using rhyme and alliteration but without real poetic consistency, lines such as these appear: "You can share. You can care. You can create. You can learn. / You can wonder. You can wander." The pink flamingo creating a fantastic dessert with pineapple rings is an appealing image, and children will enjoy seeing the cuddly baby koala throughout the book as other animals step up for their showcase. The fantasy-forest setting and its animals will keep small children engaged, but the sweetness comes with a significant aftertaste of treacle. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.5-by-19-inch double-page spreads viewed at 34.5% of actual size.) The message is wholehearted and positive, but the cloying execution doesn't stand out. (Picture book. 3-5)

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