We Believe in You

September 1, 2020
A poem celebrates family philosophies and affection for the young. Eight four-line stanzas accompanied by stylized illustrations of animal parents and babies make up this hortatory collection of happy thoughts. At the opening, a bighorn ram, ewe, and lamb ascend a steep incline ("We believe in climbing higher"), a mole and baby kiss ("We believe in digging deep"), bright yellow flowers bloom ("We believe in drinking sunshine"), and a sloth snuggles with its baby ("We believe in beauty sleep"). The "we" voice of encouragement and cheerleading continues throughout. From tadpoles to lions, Idle's big-eyed, pretty animals are all recognizable in warm pastel colors and rounded forms. "We believe in families" appears with a pair of rabbits and a multihued collection of bunnies. Even the jellyfish has babies ("We believe in shining light"). Some lines are more opaque than others: A family of brown bears eating honey that drips, improbably, from a paper-wasp nest illustrates the lines "We believe that groups are smart / We believe in smacks of sweetness." A family of dotted rays swims across the double-page spread that follows: "We believe we're works of art." A monarch caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly appear in the last few pages ("We believe that life's a journey") before readers see that the bighorn sheep family has reached the summit: "We believe in you." (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 30.3% of actual size.) Something light for a new-baby gift or child embarking on a journey. (Picture book. 2-7)

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November 16, 2020
In this deceptively simple story, streamlined yet resonant text and art celebrate the importance of self-confidence, familial encouragement, and making the most of one’s unique gifts. Ferry (Swashby and the Sea) and Caldecott Honoree Idle (Flora and the Flamingo) are in sly cahoots as various animals are seen fulfilling the promise of the fluid, inspirational verse. Opening with the phrase, “We believe in,” each frame depicts parents and their offspring demonstrating an innate behavioral characteristic of their species, which also serves as a life aspiration for the human narrator. Armadillos believe “life’s a ball,” mountain goats believe in “climbing higher,” crickets and frogs in “making music,” and peacocks in “being wowed.” Featuring pastel shades and inventive animal poses (beavers on their dam, who believe in “working harder,” face underwater otters, interested in “playing more”), Idle’s pictures balance representational and abstract images and offer clues to help young listeners construe Ferry’s playful references. The collaborators offer plenty of fodder to spark conversation and interpretation, but kids won’t miss the book’s message about the rewards of being, and believing in, oneself. Ages 3–6.

November 13, 2020

PreS-K-A rhythmic text by Ferry, with endearing illustrations from Caldecott honoree Idle (Flora and the Flamingo) combine to make an affirming book that challenges and inspires. The beliefs of the narrators (using the pronoun "we") envelope readers with affirmation and inspiration for all to share their gifts and uniqueness to the tapestry that is the global community. Examples include an armadillo family with the statement, "We believe life's a ball!" showing the youngsters tucked and rolling across the page, and an especially effective spread of rays with the statement: "We believe we're works of art." This title could be useful in classrooms/schools to develop a set of community beliefs following the models presented here. When we call on children to live up to their potential, this book provides a multitude of examples of how that potential can manifest. VERDICT A joyful book in a relatively rare space-it honors the many ways there are to value effort, activity, in even simply being.-John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimore

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