We believe in you

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. (Oct.)

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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.