Remarkably You

by Pat Zietlow Miller, Patrice Barton (Illustrator)

Overview

Heartfelt and timeless, Remarkably You is an inspirational manifesto about all of the things—little or small, loud or quiet—that make us who we are. Great for sharing and gifting, especially to celebrate your remarkable graduate.

New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller celebrates individuality in her remarkable picture book about the beauty of being yourself.

With encouraging text and exuberant illustrations by Patrice Barton, readers will delight in all the ways they can be their remarkable selves.

You might go unnoticed, or shine like a star,
but wherever you go and whoever you are…
don’t change how you act to be just like the rest.
Believe in yourself and the things you do best.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062427588
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	02/05/2019
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	124,259
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	300L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Pat Zietlow Miller is the New York Times bestselling author of Be Kind. Her first book, Sophie’s Squash, received a Golden Kite Award, a Crystal Kite Award, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor, and an Ezra Jack Keats Honor. She is also one of the creative forces behind the blog Picture Book Builders. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and family. Visit her online at www.patzietlowmiller.com.

Editorial Reviews

12/17/2018

A cast of diverse children seize the day by helping others, taking on leadership roles, and expressing their personalities. Miller writes in buoyant rhyming verses: “You have your own spirit, unparalleled flair./ So rock what you’ve got—every day, everywhere.” In muted artwork featuring residual pencil lines, they work together to fix a red wagon, plant flowers, andplay sports and make-believe. Kids need not be just one thing, the book suggests, demonstrating that one might be “a swimmer who knits./ A cellist who cheers./ A mutt-loving cat cuddler who volunteers” (a child with short, spiky hair walks six dogs while a cat rides along in a red hoodie). Together, Miller and Barton offer a genuine message about individuality. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

“Miller and Barton encourage kids to be their best, follow their own drummers, and give their all in a book that is sure to bring to mind Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go. Adorable [and] racially diverse.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Miller writes in buoyant rhyming verses. Together, Miller and Barton offer a genuine message about individuality.” — Publishers Weekly

“Miller’s story and Barton’s illustrated characters are diverse and encourage young readers to not only be themselves, but to also do good deeds. There is an important underlying theme of treating others with respect and dignity. An excellent upbeat addition to any collection.” — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

02/01/2019

PreS-Gr 1—A parade of children marches through this festive book and into readers' hearts. Whether loud or quiet, big or small, each "you" is encouraged to recognize their individuality. Furthermore, the book relays to children the message that each person's talents are even more valuable when shared with others. Miller's story and Barton's illustrated characters are diverse and encourage young readers to not only be themselves, but to also do good deeds, as children in the story are depicted planting flowers for a neighbor, singing to a room of the elderly, and recycling littered trash. Similar to Miller's Be Kind, there is an important underlying theme of treating others with respect and dignity. The story is the embodiment of the saying "march to the beat of your own drum," including one child passing off the mallets for a literal drum to another child, transforming the metaphor into a visual celebration of uniqueness. The images are warm and inviting and the rhyming text is accessible, with a scattering of more difficult vocabulary to challenge some young readers. VERDICT Overall, this story is gentle and truly delightful, and fans of the author, along with new readers, will not be disappointed. An excellent upbeat addition to any collection.—Kaitlin Malixi, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, Philadelphia

School Library Journal

2018-10-15

Miller and Barton encourage kids to be their best, follow their own drummers, and give their all in a book that is sure to bring to mind Dr. Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go.

Adorable, racially diverse children march through these pages, showing off their personalities and talents. A proud black girl with braids and a baton leads a parade of children past a window where a shy white child in a cardboard crown watches. By the final page, this child has joined the rest, playing an offered drum with wild abandon. In between, kids practice their skills and follow their passions: engaging in a neighborhood cleanup, fixing a wagon, rollerblading, reading, counting, drawing, imagining, singing. Miller sends the message that whatever your talents, you need to get off the sidelines and share them: "So find what you're good at, what you have to give. / Then go share your sunshine wherever you live." And no matter how out-there your particular talent might seem, "Don't change how you act to be just like the rest. / Believe in yourself and the things you do best." Barton's pencil, mixed-media, and digital illustrations portray believable kids doing kid things—they are silly, uncertain, messy, athletic, bookish, and daring. Not a one is perfect, but they are giving it their all.

Advice for being the best you you can be. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews