Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A young bear reflects on the skills they've learned, the challenges they've navigated, and the "Somehow-Someday Things/ That might just happen to me"--all made possible by the steadfast support of loved ones. In Wells's signature art, a fuzzy, sweet-faced brown cub happily turns cartwheels, builds a massive castle out of blocks, and stands brave under dark nighttime skies, as rhyming text repeats the sentiment, "You believe in me." The power of unconditional love and support fuels the bear's vision of the future, too, when imagining what tomorrow will bring: "No dream's too big/ because you told me// I believe in you." The creamy palette and tender, recognizable childhood moments between attentive adult bears and the cub--at the dinner table, taking a walk--fit comfortably alongside other entries in Wells's oeuvre. Ages 3--6. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--A precious book about a little brown bear, of no stated gender, feeling its through the world all because of the confidence instilled it by one of the adults who beams back in almost every page. Written in lightly rhyming verse, the text flips at the end, noting that the sentence "I believe in you" has been a mantra in the little one's entire life. Children will quickly make this book a favorite as the illustrations are inviting and dominate the majority of the page in bright colors with a patterned background. All characters featured are brown bears, although the central little bear is never clothed while the rest of them are. "I can turn a cartwheel. I can dive in the waves in the sea. And fly my kite up into the clouds because You believe in me." The little bear is always within an arm's reach of an adult. Children will be inspired to read about the exciting things they can do each day if they allow their creativity and confidence to take flight. VERDICT Add this book to all collections where Wells's books are popular.--Tracy Cronce
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Positive thinking can work wonders. A young bear remarks on--and demonstrates--a number of skills and talents--cartwheeling, flying a kite, knowing books by heart, even being fearless--that, the bear adds, can only be accomplished if "You believe in me." ("You" is depicted throughout as a caring, loving, stalwart adult bear.) The small ursine proceeds to declare confidently that no matter what the future holds, their dreams will always come true because of the special adult's positivity. The message here is commendable: Parents and caregivers should always strive to cheer their little ones on. This volume would make a welcome gift for expectant or new parents to remind them how important it is that they develop and maintain children's strong self-esteem. Strengthening the case that the book is aimed at adults, the narrator's voice seems directed at them rather than youngsters; as a result, kids' attention and understanding may flag. Though youngsters feel empowered and buoyed on a visceral level by adults' affirmative behaviors, they're unlikely to actually compliment their special grown-ups with the phrase "You believe in me." Small children will probably also be confused by the book's final line--"I believe in you"--which reverses the story's familiar refrain suddenly. Wells comes through with her usual engaging illustrations. Lively and sweet, they present an endearing, warm adult-child relationship. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Makes a good, reassuring case for positive reinforcement, but it's not a standout. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
