You Are Here

by Zach Manbeck

Overview

In the tradition of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and I Wish You More, this debut book reminds us that "all who wander are not lost."

You are here, and from here there are so many places you can go. But how will you know how to get there? In this warm and wise debut, Zach Manbeck gives readers a poetic roadmap to help us find our way in the world, while also reminding us all that right now, we are here—exactly where we are meant to be.

Both sweet and uplifting, this is a perfect book for a new baby, a new graduate, or anyone who could use a reminder that "all who wander are not lost."

BE HERE NOW: With playful, approachable language, this book encourages appreciating the moment we're in and being completely present in it.

THE PERFECT GO-TO GIFT: The accessible text and charming art make this the ideal book for a wide range of occasions. Whether you are shopping for a baby gift, a graduation gift, or a gift that will inspire readers of any age to approach life as an adventure, this book is for you.

LUSH, COMFORTING ART: Lush backgrounds, a sweet and diverse cast of characters, and just the slightest hint of nostalgia, make this book as comforting as a warm hug.

Perfect for:

• Fans of I WISH YOU MORE and THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU WILL BE
• Baby gift buyers
• Graduation gift buyers
• Anyone looking for a gift to give someone going through a transition or a period of self-doubt
• Grandparents
• Parents
• Educators and librarians looking for creative ways to talk about periods of transition

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781797212456
Publisher:	Chronicle Books
Publication date:	05/10/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	36
File size:	35 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Zach Manbeck is a recent graduate of the University of the Arts, in Philadelphia. This is his debut picture book. Zach lives in Pennsylvania.

Editorial Reviews

[You Are Here] is an optimist’s guide to letting children be children; for story hours or as an afternoon anthem for acting out and therefore shaking out the sillies, it’s sure to become a favorite.”—School Library Journal 

“Manbeck offers direction for life’s journeys in his children’s book debut. . . . The whimsical illustrations, rendered in gouache and mixed media with digital editing, show sprightly children and their childlike anthropomorphic animal companions romping on giant fantastical play structures that recall Rube Goldberg machines. . . . An uplifting ode to the power of taking small steps to make big changes.”-Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

05/27/2022

PreS-Gr 2—"BEGIN!" this friendly book admonishes readers, suggesting that there is no right or wrong way. "Everyone begins differently. So whether you walk, skip, dance, or sit…be your own kind of brave." Manbeck has a child's generous view of the world, and works in a sunny palette of golds, oranges, yellows, and grassy greens in support of that vision. In this realm, one needn't even be human; a red fox skateboards alongside a brown child using a wheelchair, both surrounded by scampering, striding, flying, rolling, others. The exultations continue: "Explore" followed by "Take Your Time" and even "Fall Down!" because it is impossible to screw up the journey from here to there. The writing is tight, the rush of words paced perfectly with the activities of the children and other beings who have more abilities and ethnicities than there are flowers in the field. VERDICT This is an optimist's guide to letting children be children; for story hours or as an afternoon anthem for acting out and therefore shaking out the sillies, it's sure to become a favorite. —Kimberly Olson Fakih

School Library Journal

2022-01-12
Manbeck offers direction for life’s journeys in his children’s book debut.

Using just one or two pithy sentences per page, the text encourages readers to bravely forge their own paths in the world. Whatever one hopes to accomplish or whatever one’s destination in life, the starting point is “here,” a point of view that suggests that there is power and wisdom in embracing the present moment. Manbeck assures readers that “you can go anywhere!” and includes all-caps imperatives on almost every double-page spread: “Begin”; “Take your time”; “Keep going”; “Be patient”; etc. A major thrust of the narrative is the futility of comparing oneself to others since every person is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all formula for how life should unfold. The whimsical illustrations, rendered in gouache and mixed media with digital editing, show sprightly children and their childlike anthropomorphic animal companions romping on giant fantastical play structures that recall Rube Goldberg machines. Some spreads feature a montage of the characters adventurously exploring a range of fun activities: butterfly watching, rollerblading, riding a penny-farthing, etc. Flowers and butterflies—with their associated meanings of transformation, hope, courage, success, and new beginnings—are used liberally as motifs throughout the colorful artwork. The characters have various skin tones, and one of them uses a wheelchair. Many wear party hats, conveying a mood of celebration; indeed, this book would make a good baby-shower or graduation gift.

An uplifting ode to the power of taking small steps to make big changes. (Gift book. 0-5, adult)

Kirkus Reviews