Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Velvety gouache, charcoal, and pastel spreads by Arsenault ground Yeh's message in this metaphorical picture book about finding one's way. "When you find yourself/ in the dark," the lines begin, "remind yourself/ you always have a light." After soft billows of gray and black overtake the sun, obscuring the landscape, a pale-skinned hand reaches out to touch the bending stem of a strange flower. The blossom glows a shining aqua, showing the way forward. Swampy darkness still looms ahead, but the bloom "is enough to begin." Soon, more children appear, shown with various skin tones; as a new world comes into view, their collaborative lights illuminate strange, fern-like plants. Though individual gifts may seem small, they are enough to get things started, suggests this inspirational work on moving forward in collaboration and faith. Ages 4--8. (June)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--2--The immense potential of conquering your fears and having hope come to life in this picture book. The words, "When you find yourself in the dark/ the deepest dark… remind yourself you always have a light," are set in white type against black swirling backgrounds. At first one blue flower-shaped light, held by a child, brightens the page, then a coral-shaped plant brings more color. Various children of many different skin tones are depicted throughout as readers follow a journey of locating light even in the darkness of perhaps fear and anxiety. The book speaks to readers of overcoming challenges, that they should remain strong and capable and persist. Yeh's book is not preachy but instead allows readers to explore (and interpret) at their own pace. The artwork is likewise compelling with the dark swirls depicted at the beginning of the book making way for brightness, and softer colors accompany simple prose. VERDICT A feel-good book and a recommended purchase.--Maria Graybosch
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Where there's even a little light, there can still be a lot of hope. "One little light / cannot light the whole sky… / but it is enough / to begin." This mantra, or variations of it, is repeated often in this calm, economically worded, softly empowering picture book that offers reassurance to youngsters when they find themselves in darkness or overwhelmed by fear. Darkness, of course, can mean several things--literal darkness, as when children find themselves alone at bedtime after lights are turned out, or darkness of spirit, as when little ones feel downcast, lonely, hopeless, or unsafe. No matter what kind of darkness children are confronting, the book suggests there's always a glimmer of hope to hold on to if readers remember they have a small spark of light within themselves--sufficient to light the way toward self-confidence and a brighter outlook. This is an uplifting idea, but perhaps it will ring truer and more meaningfully for adults than youngsters. The book might best be shared one-on-one as a laptime read between children and trusted grown-ups, with adults encouraging rich follow-up conversations and explorations of feelings or personal experiences. The delicate, lovely illustrations, rendered in gouache, charcoal, and pastel, feature spirited, racially diverse children. As the text proceeds, more light and colors pervade the pages. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet, upbeat guide to cultivating optimism in young children. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
