All I Am

A child is a friend, neighbor, helper, artist, dancer, daydreamer, and stargazer.

PreSchool-K-- A small boy recounts some of what he is--a child, a friend, a helper, etc. Preschoolers will resonate to many of the positive statements here, although parallel sentence structure sometimes restricts natural expression. Instead of "I am an animal lover," a young child is more likely to say, "I love my dog." The book concludes with the boy as daydreamer and stargazer, wondering about all that he is and all that he will become. These musings are more adult than childlike, although the book could be used in a discussion with youngsters to stimulate such wonderings. Colorful pencil and watercolor illustrations realistically flesh out the simple large-type text. Straggly-haired girls and boys are engaged in activities natural to their age. While not widely ethnic, a black child is included as friend and classmate. Setting is suburban, with parents and grandparents securely in place. The double-page spread layout affords space for the detailed trappings of home and neighborhood. Children with other domestic realities may not identify with this boy's surroundings, but the accent on positive qualities--even the nonverbal one of the child as a left-handed artist--make this book useful for sharing one-on-one or in a group. --Jane Saliers, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.