Cindy Williams Schrauben

Beautifully illustrated with positive theme. Kids will imagine and dream of all the possibilities their future can hold. Very diverse illustrations to include many different people groups as well as a wide spectrum of talents and careers. A mirror in the back was a beautiful surprise.

It is clear from the moment you open this book that the author has been a professional educator. From making the dust jacket even more functional to providing discussion and reading prompts upfront. In the end, she gives parents and caregivers a roadmap past the bright colors, inclusive pictures, and intriguing vocabulary to the heart of how to make storytime so much more. I opened the mailer less than an hour ago, and I have already read the book, sent off a couple of emails to friends show more about it, and am writing this review. Yes, it is that good! The illustrations are bright and happy, full of movement and positive feelings. I greatly appreciated the ethnic diversity portrayed, the two-page spread on the wheelchair race, and the matter-of-factness of children with other disabilities are included. This Could Be You carries an important message for children and adults in a bright, shiny package. Thank you to the author, illustrator, and all who had a hand in producing it.

Guess what all the young cousins, little people, and teachers received for Christmas 2022!? show less

Inspiration and support have no end in this fun-to-read book packed full of energy and encouragement.

This book is really packed in every which way with positivity and motivation. It starts with the cover and the variety of jobs/activities. While that seems to be just for the eye, at first, on the inside, the author already incorporates it as an activity for young readers to discuss the different people the say and what they're doing. Then, there are some things for caretakers to keep in mind show more while reading this book as well as ideas for what to do afterwards. The inside of the book cover is decorated with many portraits children have drawn of themselves and their future, dream jobs. It gives the first name, the age, and the hoped-for occupation, which gives this entire book a nice touch and a sense of familiarity to readers. And, as if that weren't enough, the book jacket is actually a printed poster inside. So, every aspect has been thought out and incorporated into the message.

The illustrations pack adventure, enthusiasm, variety, and enthusiasm. They have a rounded style with tons of details and cheerfulness. Various activities and future careers are portrayed, and that from a kid's reality, still. So, these aren't true doctors at work, but kids playing out the activities or doing their versions of it.

All of this is written in rhyme, and that flows very well. Each verse carries in a touch of playfulness and tinkers with words to create a bit of fun. Only one poem broke the scheme...which was hardly noticeable and barely worth a mention. In each poem, aspects of a profession or activity are mentioned, always those which show a positive light and demonstrate how amazing each one is. The poems are age correct, do encourage listeners to repeat right along (once the book's been read a few times), and ends with the repetitive phrase, "It could be you!" It does make a fun read-aloud for groups or individuals.

At the very end of the book, there's a surprise, which rounds off the message and brings it home in a nice way.

In other words, anyone seeking an uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring read, which urges kids to take life on and reach their goals, will find quite a bit to work with in these pages.
I won an ARC and was surprised at how much is in these pages. show less

This was genuinely one of the best books I've received as an early review copy. As someone who works as a librarian for teachers, the interactive class lessons in the front and back of the books are wonderful. There's so much amazing representation, and it's such a good message. I love that there are jobs of all sorts, as well, from astronauts to truck drivers, to nurses, to farmers, and it broke a lot of gender roles in the process. I will definitely be recommending this book to my patrons, show more and especially my future teachers. show less