Review by Booklist Review
Whatever the situation, young Nate sees things through optimistic eyes. For example, when Mom stands under her black umbrella and says, I hate rain, Nate,joyfully splashing about, answers, Rain brings frogs! When young friend Ben, hovered over a huge banana split, tells a hopeful dog, Not enough, Nate says, Enough to share, and extends his own ice-cream cone to a blissful pooch. Surrounded by a mountain of toys, little Liz wails, I need more! Smiling in his bed, holding a teddy, Nate says, I need one. Each spread's simple text and colorful, cartoon-style illustrations, filled with playful details, accessibly convey basic behavioral concepts and demonstrate supportive ways to reframe disappointments, as in a scene in which a kid, who sits dejectedly at the edge of the pool holding a second-place medal, says I lost. Nate, happily holding his fifth-place award, says, I finished! If occasionally a bit predictable, this encourages both kids and adults to look for simple joys.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-Cocca-Leffler has made defining the word "hope" quite a bit easier. Her optimistic outlook transcends to the picture book by showing opposite feelings to which children can easily relate. Nate sees everything in a positive light. "When Charlie says, 'Keep Out!'/Nate says, 'Room for All.' When Mom says, 'I Hate Rain.' Nate says, 'Rain Brings Frogs!'" Green frog endpapers enhance the cheerful colors and cartoonlike characters surrounded by plenty of white space. The font is large, and the narrative waves through the pages showing action and movement. However, the text uses a confusing mixture of lower- and uppercase letters. Still, the feeling of "hope," or seeing the bright side, will be just a bit more tangible after reading this book aloud.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Whenever someone complains, Nate finds a bright side. This book may serve as a gift for difficult times. It would work better, though, if all the examples fit its theme; some just show that Nate is, well, nice. The illustrations use line well to convey Nates simple contentment. (c) Copyright 2011. 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.
