I Like You So Much

PreS-Gr 3--There are words every person needs to hear, no matter how old or young. That is why this book will truly appeal to any age. While not a story, Avis's new book is an affirmation of the differences in how people look, act, and feel, and the importance of every person, no matter what. This book celebrates all aspects of every person and how important every person is because of who they are. Each page is filled with statements to empower children and celebrate their uniqueness in this whole, wide, wild world. More importantly, how this uniqueness makes them who they are, which is the most important and greatest thing ever. This includes children who are older, who sometimes need this type of reminder about themselves and others. The illustrations feature a diverse cast of children playing, celebrating, and being happy, rounding out the message of the importance of different people and how their differences are what make this world amazing. This book follows the author's previous works as an uplifting, reaffirming message for children and adults, reminding people that who they are is important. VERDICT In a time where too much of what children see is negative, a book like this in a library collection or being read-aloud to them is important. A great tool for both the library and SEL.--Richard Winters * School Library Journal * Author, podcaster, and Down syndrome advocate Avis explains just what there is to like about you. Filled with cute, bright, blocky illustrations that bring the affirming text to life, each page directly addresses readers, pinpointing something that makes them special, from their faces and bodies to their empathy and persistence. Though Avis' words can apply to nearly any child, they'll be especially meaningful to young people with disabilities; the author praises 'how you use the body you have to do exactly what your body can do,' and rather than mentioning spoken language, she lauds the way 'you whistle, click, squeak, or hum.' Eigner's images portray racially diverse children, multiple youngsters with vitiligo, and several kids using wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, noise reduction headphones, and mobility canes (depicted as simple black lines). One figure, a young pale-skinned child with short blond hair--perhaps a reader stand-in--appears on most pages and is the only character whose thoughts are externalized in the illustrations. Though the tale is a shade purposeful, it's also deeply reassuring; briefly written and encouraging, it's a strong read-aloud option for parents, caregivers, or teachers seeking to buoy young people. Short and sweet, with an empowering message for all who pick it up. * Kirkus Reviews *