I Believe I Can

by Grace Byers, Keturah A. Bobo (Illustrator)

Overview

From the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of I Am Enough comes an empowering follow-up that celebrates every child’s limitless potential.

I Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves.

Actress and activist Grace Byers and artist Keturah A. Bobo return with another gorgeously illustrated new classic that’s the perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays, or just for reading at home again and again.

My presence matters in this world. I know I can do anything, if only I believe I can.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062667137
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/03/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	57,156
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Grace Byers is an actress and activist known for her roles in Fox’s smash hit series Empire and Marvel’s The Gifted. As a multicultural, biracial CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Grace was bullied throughout her childhood, which inspired her first picture book, the New York Times bestseller I Am Enough—an ode to the empowerment of young girls. Her follow-up book, I Believe I Can, celebrates both boys and girls as they strive for their highest potential. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, actor Trai Byers.

Keturah A. Bobo is an artist and New York Times bestselling illustrator known for creating vibrant images that are relatable and distinctive. She is passionate about creating art that inspires, uplifts, and advocates for her community. Keturah has received notable praise for her colorful illustrative style that brings stories to life. She graduated with a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family of entrepreneurs. Visit www.keturahariel.com.

Editorial Reviews

“An inspirational 'can do' paean to youth empowerment, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and dream big regardless of their skin color, racial background, or abilities.”  — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

03/20/2020

PreS-K—This picture book follow-up to I Am Enough is an inspirational "can do" paean to youth empowerment, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and dream big regardless of their skin color, racial background, or abilities. Bobo's digital illustrations, set against a white backdrop, depict a diverse set of children reaching, dreaming, playing, and achieving whatever they set their minds to. Although it is not breaking any new ground, this may be a useful title for teachers and caregivers looking for additional inspirational titles portraying children with varied abilities from a range of racial and cultural backgrounds. VERDICT An additional purchase. —Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR

School Library Journal

2019-10-09
Diversity is the face of this picture book designed to inspire confidence in children.

Fans of Byers and Bobo's I Am Enough (2018) will enjoy this book that comes with a universal message of self-acceptance. A line of children practices ballet at the barre; refreshingly, two of the four are visibly (and adorably) pudgy. Another group tends a couple of raised beds; one of them wears hijab. Two more children coax a trepidatious friend down a steep slide. Further images, of children pretending to be pirates, dragons, mimes, playing superhero and soccer, and cooking, are equally endearing, but unfortunately they don't add enough heft to set the book apart from other empowerment books for children. Though the illustrations shine, the text remains pedagogic and bland. Clichés abound: "When I believe in myself, there's simply nothing I can't do"; "Sometimes I am right, and sometimes I am wrong. / But even when I make mistakes, I learn from them to make me strong." The inclusion of children with varying abilities, religions, genders, body types, and racial presentations creates an inviting tone that makes the book palatable. It's hard to argue with the titular sentiment, but this is not the only book of its ilk on the shelf.

Banal affirmation buoyed by charming illustrations. (Picture book. 3-5)

Kirkus Reviews

Actor, activist, and author Grace Byers brings her second picture book to life with a moving narration. Captivating her audience with a sweeping tone and notes of reassurance, Byers tells listeners that each of them is enough. With strength resonating in her words and joy floating through the pages, Byers offers youngsters the opportunity to see that they are as strong a dragon’s flames, as deep as an ocean, and worthy for being just who they are. Her tempo steady, she allows each statement of strength to linger just long enough for listeners to embrace it before moving on to the next declaration. Sure to lift the spirits of both young and old, this beautifully narrated audiobook is an inspirational listen. V.T. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2020 - AudioFile

Actor, activist, and author Grace Byers brings her second picture book to life with a moving narration. Captivating her audience with a sweeping tone and notes of reassurance, Byers tells listeners that each of them is enough. With strength resonating in her words and joy floating through the pages, Byers offers youngsters the opportunity to see that they are as strong a dragon’s flames, as deep as an ocean, and worthy for being just who they are. Her tempo steady, she allows each statement of strength to linger just long enough for listeners to embrace it before moving on to the next declaration. Sure to lift the spirits of both young and old, this beautifully narrated audiobook is an inspirational listen. V.T. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2020 - AudioFile