I am strong!

PreS-Gr 1--Bold colors and simple lines in Parr's hallmark style are perfectly paired in his new picture book, with digitally rendered cartoon-style illustrations of animals in everyday situations that young children find themselves in. From a relatable mix of emotions to challenging experiences such as going to daycare or saying goodbye, the text challenges readers to think about what it means to be strong in a way grounded in resilience. Simple sentence structure and limited words per page make the book ideal for the youngest readers. VERDICT Ideal for read-alouds and story times, this is recommended for purchase for libraries serving young patrons.--Monisha Blair

Brightly colored animal characters demonstrate the many ways to show fortitude. "I am strong because…" Various creatures complete the opening line of the book. Parr's simple sentence structure provides clarity, while his cheery, solid colors with thick black outlines rendered in childlike scrawls depict everything from peacocks to penguins to pandas, all displaying strength in different ways. "I ask for help when I need it," says a smiling giraffe, standing by ready to assist a cat who's stuck in a tree. "I can be gentle," notes a necktie-clad bear holding a butterfly. And three hopping frogs declare, "I take care of my body." Though the tone is earnest, a goofy strain runs through this work: A neon-pink bunny wears a pair of underwear on its head ("I fix my mistakes"); a frowning cow tells buzzing flies to "Stop, please!" ("I share when something is bothering me"). Each page serves as a connection point for readers to empathize or find parallels in their own lives; this is an excellent book for caregivers to share one-on-one or at storytime. The final page is an encouraging message directly from the author to readers, signed with love. Strength redefined for a new generation.(Picture book. 2-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.