Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day

PreS-Gr 3–The husband-and-wife authors present a treasure trove of positive affirmations for young readers. Each endlessly encouraging spread features an uplifting, “I am” phrase in large, colorful letters, followed by a comforting rhyming couplet presumably spoken by a caregiver. For example, one spread depicts a young Black child as an astronaut in outer space, with a statement that reads, “I am IMPORTANT,” followed by, “You’re here for a purpose. Your life has great meaning. Believe in yourself, and never stop dreaming.” The book’s empowering conclusion invites listeners to repeat the statements from the story and reminds them that they are all of those things “and so much more.” Knight-Justice’s warm digital illustrations portray Black children in a variety of settings, including on the playground, the school cafeteria, relaxing by the pool, playing with loved ones, and celebrating a birthday, to name a few. An end note details the writers’ history of using affirmations with their children as well as hope and advice for readers to practice them in their daily lives as well. Put with Peter H. Reynolds’s Be You! and Alissa Holder’s I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! for a lesson brimming with upbeat and encouraging themes.