Review by Booklist Review
Digitally created pictures in bold, inviting colors illustrate a list of declarations that Medina hopes will encourage youngsters to "make this a better world." Each spread is divided into two parts, with half stating an oath in the author's hand-lettering and the other half containing an illustrated example of how to put that oath into action. "I will be kind to others" depicts a girl reading to an elderly, gray-haired woman in a rocking chair. The picture accompanying "I will help those in need" is of a kneeling boy tying a shoelace for a child with an arm in a sling. Fourteen promises to take positive action fill the book. The various affirmations include ways to be helpful to others as well as to oneself. Children with a wide variety of skin tones and hair textures are pictured alongside both nondisabled youngsters and several who use wheelchairs. One final illustration features several people in the act of being kind: assisting a blind person in crossing a street, watering plants, playing music, and caring for animals.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Pura Belpré Award winner Medina offers a compilation of self-affirmations for young readers in this colorful picture book series starter. Each spread features a page with a hand-lettered "I will" promise against a bright monochrome background, with each opposing page featuring a corresponding illustration outlined in black lines. On one spread, "I will learn!/ I will/ explore!" stands out against a light orchid background on the left, while a light-skinned blond child peers through a magnifying glass at a ladybug on the right. The volume's end strays from form, breaking the fourth wall to address "you" and drawing the lessons together in a cohesive conclusion. Digital art in bold colors warmly portrays a cast of varying abilities, ages, religions, and skin tones. An accessible guide to becoming a more compassionate global citizen. Ages 4--7. (Sept.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Children make promises to ensure the happiness and well-being of others and themselves. The short text is a series of statements on brightly colored backgrounds: "I will be kind to others"; "I will be kind to myself"; "I will help those in need / and ask for help when I need it." Sometimes the cartoon illustrations, with strong black outlines that match the hand-lettered text, expand the meaning of the text. When a baseball player's ball breaks a vase, the text reads: "I will tell the truth, even if it's hard." Sometimes they tell a whole story in a few images, as in the last three double-page spreads, when two kids say: "I will join with you / to make this a better world / for everyone." After an illustration of two kids holding hands, the page turn reveals a busy street with many adults and children helping one another: A sighted man helps a blind person cross the street; firefighters are at work protecting people; a kid pets a cat; another kid waters some plants. The last spread highlights all the children seen throughout the book. The racially diverse cast includes one kid who wears glasses and another who uses a wheelchair. An opening page has a space for kids to sign their names and pledge to "keep this promise as best as I can." (This book was reviewed digitally.) Encouraging words and pictures will help kids make good choices. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
