Powerful you

PreS-Gr 2--Neal focuses on the importance of two simple words, "yes" and "no." By using "yes," children can undertake new adventures, try new things, and make new friends. However, she saying "yes" can be "tricky." If a child is uncomfortable after "yes," they need to listen to their body and remember that "no" can keep them safe. "No" also allows for individual choice. A full page is devoted to ways children can say "yes" ("Yep," "Totally," "No problem") as well as how to say "no" ("Sorry, I have something else to do," "Sounds great but I'm busy," "This doesn't feel good"). The art, reminiscent of Peter H. Reynolds's style, uses bold, bright watercolor washes to set off large areas of white space. Neal's characters (a child and animals) are simple, and only the color red is used to accent their black lines. The characters capture the innocence and joy of childhood as well as the worry. VERDICT Teachers and parents will appreciate the simplicity of the message in helping children make good choices in the name of their emotional well-being.--Sally A. James

A simple story about the power of two little words. A round-headed human with skin the white of the page and their anthropomorphic animal friends traverse a world of options opened up by yes and no. Pops of color, especially present in spread-spanning words like powerful and massive, illustrate how those two words can help "look…after your heart." Straightforward text explains that "You can say yes to trying new things," "to making new friends," and to "help[ing] others," with the characters dancing and steeling themselves before climbing mountains. Saying no is an equally positive response: "No can help keep you safe" and establish boundaries, even though "it can take courage to say no," and it might make your "insides feel wiggly." (The only unsafe situation presented involves a ball in the middle of a road.) This tame, spare, and direct read-aloud offers open-ended examples, making it a potentially useful primer for teachers, parents, and caregivers to introduce children to some of the fundamentals of consent. A combination of thick black lines, generous use of white space, and frothy bursts of color work to make this visually appealing as well. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A helpful introduction to yes and no. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.