Wallflowers

In simplistic, inspirational verbiage that speaks directly to so-called "wallflowers," Joy (One Tiny Treefrog) affirms those who "love watching and listening" and finding "a quiet spot where you can be you." Via successive spreads, digital illustrations portray a series of children with varying skin tones whose patterned clothing matches the backgrounds behind them. Garbed in printed flowers, raindrops, trucks and cars, and more, each small-scaled figure appears almost--but not quite--invisible against the coordinated design. "But it isn't always easy going unnoticed," compassionate text reads, suggesting that preferring less bustling environs doesn't preclude one from wanting to live in the world, nor from communicating. "You love to be heard," reads one line, shown alongside a child whispering to another in an interchange so exciting that stars and splashes spray around them; "You just don't want to have to SHOUT!" Reminding quiet readers that they, too, have things to share, Joy's message-forward intonation assures that "You are BOLD. You are BEAUTIFUL. And you are the best in the world at being YOU." Ages 4--8. Agent: Kevin Lewis, Erin Murphy Literary. (Feb.)

A sweetly gentle validation for young introverts. "People call you a wallflower," observes the narrator, reminding listeners, "You don't mind at all." Starting with the cheerful yellow cabbage roses of the wallpaper-esque endpapers, full-bleed illustrations present a delightful variety of background patterns--designs on wallpaper, fish at the aquarium--in rich, warm hues. Individual children, most brown-skinned, some lighter, their clothes matching the backgrounds, seem to emerge from the patterns, as if to say, "I'm here." "While most people like looking at the BIGGEST or the BRIGHTEST, // you find a quiet spot where you can be you." Joy distinguishes the need for quieter recognition from being self-effacing: "But it isn't always easy / going unnoticed." "You love to be seen. // You just don't want to be center stage." With panache, Joy offers a nicely compact, upbeat reminder that not having a big voice or delivering a large performance doesn't necessarily translate to timidity. "You are BOLD." "You are a wallflower. / Find your garden and… // BLOOM." (This book was reviewed digitally.) Just right, respectful and reassuring, for both the always and the sometimes quiet. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.