Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Confidence-boosting rhymes by Gardner Middlemiss model nurtured self-assurance in this warmhearted story. Beginning dialogue prompts recognition, with a child's refrain eliciting encouraging appreciations from their caregiver: "Do you see me?// Yes, of course./ I see you're driven--quite a force." Eventually, the adult speaker returns the question ("But now I ask:/ Do you see you?"), and the youth's exuberant responses ("I see myself, strong and proud./ I will live my life out loud") powerfully reveal the positive echoes of earlier praise. Providing an additional layer of storytelling, Brown's mottled digital renderings have a sandy texture that supports beachy scenes of the protagonist and adult companion, both depicted with brown skin, exploring the seaside. Amid sunset's golden hour, the child looks forward with optimism in this shining picture of a child's developing self-positivity and -reflection. Ages 6--8. (Apr.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Upon receiving affirming messages from a caregiver, a youngster surges in confidence. Parent and child, both presenting Black and dressed for cool weather, walk along the shore, a small unleashed gray dog in train. On each spread, the little one asks, "Do you see me?" The adult responds affirmatively, listing in turn the many positive traits that the child displays: "Yes indeed, I see you helping friends in need," "I see courage when you face fear," "You fill my eyes. / I see adventure and surprise." Meanwhile, Brown's images depict the child comforting the dog after a crab claws at its paw, inching bravely across a suspended log, and excitedly venturing onto the rocks as the waves splash. When the parent turns the question to the child, asking, "Doyou see you?" the little one responds with self-praise ("I see myself, warm and caring") and eagerness for the future ("I'm ready to learn, to grow, to be"). On the penultimate spread, the two return home, where another parent embraces the first, rounding out an image of a loving, tightknit Black family. Middlemiss' empowering verse has a simple rhyme scheme and makes for a pleasant read-aloud despite the inconsistent meter and the occasional forced rhyme. What Brown's digital art lacks in warmth, it makes up for in its convincing rendering of a seaside town, with its cliffs, sparkling water, charming shops, and views of the horizon. This celebration of childhood adventure and freedom is a breath of fresh air.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
