Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this standout social-emotional book, Vail's assonant, songlike rhymes skillfully use a sea anemone to talk about personal space in a way that's at once empowering and playful. First-person narration takes a kind but firm tone as a yellow-tentacled subject models a mellow assertiveness. Opening with a "humble plea" that others not "boop" it, the "lemony anemone" acknowledges that while many like to be close, "Not all of us find that/ a pleasure, however." Luckily, the good-natured narrator--visually transformed from underwater creature to human child--supplies a simple, emulatable script for moments of space invasion: "NO BOOPING ME!/ I AM// AN ANEMONE!" Raschka's multi- media fabric artwork creates largely underwater scenes for a tactile effect. The clever art is an ideal partner to highly readable, percussive text that emphasizes the harmony that can arise from respecting others' spaces and needs. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Back matter includes an author's note. Ages 4--8. (May)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Have readers take a dip in the crowded sea to learn from an anemone. In this nautical tongue-twister, readers follow the humble invertebrate's example to advocate for personal boundaries and consent in hopes of a more harmonious world. Vail supplies melodious rhymes crafted with strong vocabulary, all showcased in a high-contrast font to create what will surely be a hit. Caldecott winner Raschka stuns with a tapestry that has no shortage of eye-catching spreads perfect for large groups. One-on-one readers will undoubtedly practice the story's lesson as they resist reaching out for a more tactile experience enticed by the embroidered artwork. VERDICT A lyrical lesson on personal boundaries with illustrations guaranteed to help enhance young readers' vocabularies and imaginations. A must-buy for story hour shelves.--William Ives
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
"A lemony anemone. An anonymous anemone" welcomes human friends but has one request: "DON'T BOOP ME!" Anemones (as an author's note explains) don't like to be touched...and the speaker encourages any human readers or listeners who feel similarly to make their wishes known. Vail's text broaches issues of consent in an approachable and lighthearted way. Raschka creates memorable illustrations with a patchwork feel using "watercolor, gouache, and gesso on fabric, with embroidery floss and yarn." (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Don't touch that anemone! A "lemony…anonymous anemone" has just one demand: "Please, oh, please, / DON'T / BOOP / ME!" The accompanying illustrations show the sea anemone recoiling when a purple fish enthusiastically nuzzles it. The anemone is an avatar for a brown-skinned child who tells readers, "If you ever feel, like me, / that you'd prefer / to stay boop-free / just say these words / assertively-- // NO / BOOPING / ME! I / AM / AN ANENOME!" Despite their pleas, both anemone and child delight in community and celebration, dancing along with their peers as everyone respects their need for space. This ingenious story doubles as a scientific portrait of an animal with a fun-sounding name and a lesson on setting boundaries. Vail's rhythmic, rhyming text has a playfulness to it that will propel readers forward, making it an ideal candidate for a vibrant, educational read-aloud. Raschka's clever art uses paint and embroidery on burlap to create an expressive world full of textures and colors. A spread featuring the unfortunate "boop" depicts numerous silent sea anemones in visible distress in an explosion of stitching, packing as much punch as the one featuring the child making a vehement exclamation. Backmatter includes an author's note in which Vail discusses her own (misguided) experiences with anemones as well as information on these fascinating sea creatures. Don't boop this book away! Embrace this lively, creative look at asserting one's boundaries. (photograph)(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
