A book about you and all the world too

PreS-K--Imagine the beauty and wonder that could be found in a book written by the world's children. In this story, readers are introduced to a wide range of young people, all coming together with the collective intent of creating a shared narrative. Readers are presented with myriad possibilities for action in the hypothetical story described within the pages of this book, including swimming with salmon and spelunking in an unexplored cave. But no matter what the children decide to experience, their shared love crosses any barriers that might exist. This enables the children to create not only a beautiful story for themselves, but one for the world, as well. This heartwarming and whimsical picture book celebrates the potential found in every child to step into their lives with joy, curiosity, and the untethered ability to make the world a better place. Told in short, rhyming couplets, the narrative is easily accessible to very young readers, and it is designed to be voiced aloud thanks to its singsong rhythm and balanced meter. Digitally rendered illustrations depict a variety of children in enchanting scenes, using bright, vibrant colors to attract the attention of young children in particular. Together, the narrative and images complement one another, and they succeed in inspiring readers of all ages to bravely venture into the world they imagine. VERDICT This expertly designed picture book is a love letter to the Earth's future, and it is a joy to read aloud to young children.--Mary R. Lanni

What adventures are in store? In What Would You Do in a Book About You? (2021) and Me and You in a Book Made for Two (2022), Reidy invited readers to imagine the stories someone might tell about them. Now, reminding readers that "We're in this together," she asks kids to mull the exploits they--and the whole world--might get up to. The book starts off in a library. After describing the joy of making friends, it transitions into a series of rhetorical questions about the types of adventures a child might imagine, from riding in a car with clownfish to eating pie with giraffes. The tale changes once again into a message about the importance of finding unity among diverse friends, followed by a reminder of the need to protect our planet. Finally, the text comes almost full circle when a character enters a library, or perhaps a classroom, greeted by children. The book lacks a clear narrative arc or central theme, veering among stanzas about making friends with people of other faiths, going on imaginary adventures, and saving the planet. As a result, the text feels unnecessarily long, and the rhythm grows monotonous and clunky. While the illustrations, depicting a diverse group of children, are charming, they don't always support the accompanying text, which amplifies the general feeling of confusion. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A bewildering picture book that tackles too many topics. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.