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I'm Here
I'm here.
And you're there.
And that's okay.
But,
maybe there will be a gentle wind that pulls us together.
And then I'll be here and you'll be here, too.
Pure, powerful and deceptively simple, bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds reminds us that children, and the friendships they make, can take flight in unexpected ways.
And you're there.
And that's okay.
But,
maybe there will be a gentle wind that pulls us together.
And then I'll be here and you'll be here, too.
Pure, powerful and deceptively simple, bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds reminds us that children, and the friendships they make, can take flight in unexpected ways.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 16, 2011
About the author
Peter H. Reynolds
216 books950 followersPeter Hamilton Reynolds is an author and illustrator of children's books and is the co-Founder and CEO of educational media company FableVision.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
August 7, 2017
I'm Here is a sweet, little book where the protagonist is autistic, which I realised after reading other reviews.
This book teaches about friendahip and the value of interacting with people around you. Being alone in your closet and not wanting to come out is the thing many people do at some points in their lives.
This book would help children make friends and see the world as one entity.
This book teaches about friendahip and the value of interacting with people around you. Being alone in your closet and not wanting to come out is the thing many people do at some points in their lives.
This book would help children make friends and see the world as one entity.
October 10, 2011
I didn't realize that this book was about understanding and relating to children with autism until I read the other reviews here and then read the author's info on the book jacket. We saw this as just an example of an introspective child who is apart from the other children because he was having a quiet moment of reflection.
But now that I've seen the author's comments, the story line makes more sense and it's a nice way to introduce autism to other children. I love the quotes in the front and back of the book:
The distance between two people is only as big as you let it be."
"For the world you may be one person, but for one person - you may be the world."
We love the illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds. His own books are great, but he'll forever be known to us as the illustrator for the Judy Moody books. We enjoyed reading this book together.
But now that I've seen the author's comments, the story line makes more sense and it's a nice way to introduce autism to other children. I love the quotes in the front and back of the book:
The distance between two people is only as big as you let it be."
"For the world you may be one person, but for one person - you may be the world."
We love the illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds. His own books are great, but he'll forever be known to us as the illustrator for the Judy Moody books. We enjoyed reading this book together.
September 8, 2011
I loved the idea of reaching out, both by children on the autism spectrum as well as anyone different than ourselves. "The distance between two people is only as big as you let it be." Simple concept beautifully imagined.
August 20, 2019
Lots to unpack in this very brief gem. But a reader doesn't necessarily need it all to enjoy and to be enriched by it. Yes, the boy is somewhat autistic. (But if you want to think of him as more simply shy, that's ok.) Yes he's having trouble making friends. Yes he's sensitive to loud and/or chaotic noises. (But if you want to think of him as partially deaf, that works, too.) Yes his paper airplane reaches out to a new friend, (But if you want to think of him as the new hero of the playground, as his imagination makes him out to be, that's fine too.)
June 22, 2022
Poetry, AND a powerful message, AND fabulously illustrated. I love it ❤️
April 6, 2026
Beautiful, simple. Good illustrations. Good story and message.
October 1, 2020
This is a beyond sweet story about including others, which is something kids definitely forget. I really liked how the little boy used his imagination to occupy himself with the paper airplane. My favorite aspect of the book was the small illustrations on the largely blank and white pages. It really added to the sense of loneliness that the boy was feeling. The illustrations evoke the same feelings of isolation in the reader, which is a very powerful way to convey the story's message.
August 12, 2011
I shared I'm Here with Dr. Paul Mullen. Dr. Paul, as he is known to his clients, is a licensed clinical psychologist who focuses on the wellness and health of young people. He dropped by for a short interview. Thank you for your expertise and time, Dr. Paul!
Mr. Schu: Welcome to Watch. Connect. Read., Dr. Paul. Can you please share your reaction to I'm Here? What is its message?
Dr. Paul: Well isn't this the cutest book ever? And would you believe that I've had more than a few clients over the years who communicated in ways not unlike this little guy? Well, the thing that strikes me about this book is that it's message might not be apparent to children when they first encounter the book. Instead, it is one that will surely grow out of the conversations between them and the adult who has read it with them. The message that I hope is conveyed, one that was conveyed to me in a number of psychotherapeutic technique courses over the years, is that each person has their own style and method of communication. We are prone to miss non-traditional communication if we don't watch for it. I suppose a child psychologist is especially aware of this - kids are not likely to share themselves "grown-up style." If I am to understand them, then, I had better be open to meeting them where they are rather than expecting them to come to me. Peers and adults in the lives of special needs children would do well to do the same. In doing so, let there be no question that the child is "here," being heard. So if a child communicates through basketball, hit the courts. If through Pokemon, "gotta catch 'em all." And if through paper airplanes, bust out the paper and get to it.
Mr. Schu: Is there another example of allowing a child to communicate in their own special way?
Dr. Paul: Years ago I worked with a child who was an expert in elevators. I took to calling him "Otis." He'd always get off-task with elevator trivia and at first I thought my role was to help him be less tangential. That didn't work so well, and he may have perceived my not being willing to speak his "language" as some sort of rejection. So one afternoon I suggested we have our meeting IN the elevator. I swear I met him again for the first time that day! This kid was floored (forgive the pun) that I was willing to enter the elevator, and his world. In return, he opened up and shared himself like never before. Elevators made sense to him, and I think the movement calmed him too. So it made sense that we were most able to connect in that setting. PS: World's Fastest Elevator - Taipei 101 Tower. ;)
Mr. Schu: Do you think a child who feels isolated will identify with the boy?
Dr. Paul: The value of "I'm Here" for a special needs population may well be to legitimatize their clever and special forms of communication. To the larger population, the message is a reminder that we be open to varied types of communication. Finally, the book places welcome emphasis on the notion that it is not most important HOW we communicate, only THAT we communicate.
http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2011/...
Mr. Schu: Welcome to Watch. Connect. Read., Dr. Paul. Can you please share your reaction to I'm Here? What is its message?
Dr. Paul: Well isn't this the cutest book ever? And would you believe that I've had more than a few clients over the years who communicated in ways not unlike this little guy? Well, the thing that strikes me about this book is that it's message might not be apparent to children when they first encounter the book. Instead, it is one that will surely grow out of the conversations between them and the adult who has read it with them. The message that I hope is conveyed, one that was conveyed to me in a number of psychotherapeutic technique courses over the years, is that each person has their own style and method of communication. We are prone to miss non-traditional communication if we don't watch for it. I suppose a child psychologist is especially aware of this - kids are not likely to share themselves "grown-up style." If I am to understand them, then, I had better be open to meeting them where they are rather than expecting them to come to me. Peers and adults in the lives of special needs children would do well to do the same. In doing so, let there be no question that the child is "here," being heard. So if a child communicates through basketball, hit the courts. If through Pokemon, "gotta catch 'em all." And if through paper airplanes, bust out the paper and get to it.
Mr. Schu: Is there another example of allowing a child to communicate in their own special way?
Dr. Paul: Years ago I worked with a child who was an expert in elevators. I took to calling him "Otis." He'd always get off-task with elevator trivia and at first I thought my role was to help him be less tangential. That didn't work so well, and he may have perceived my not being willing to speak his "language" as some sort of rejection. So one afternoon I suggested we have our meeting IN the elevator. I swear I met him again for the first time that day! This kid was floored (forgive the pun) that I was willing to enter the elevator, and his world. In return, he opened up and shared himself like never before. Elevators made sense to him, and I think the movement calmed him too. So it made sense that we were most able to connect in that setting. PS: World's Fastest Elevator - Taipei 101 Tower. ;)
Mr. Schu: Do you think a child who feels isolated will identify with the boy?
Dr. Paul: The value of "I'm Here" for a special needs population may well be to legitimatize their clever and special forms of communication. To the larger population, the message is a reminder that we be open to varied types of communication. Finally, the book places welcome emphasis on the notion that it is not most important HOW we communicate, only THAT we communicate.
http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2011/...
Read
June 13, 2015I would first introduce this topic by giving some background information about autism and what it is and means. We would have a discussion about how they are smart and capable of many different things, but they just have some special qualities. If we had any students who had autism I would invite them to share things if they would like. This would allow the students to build a positive classroom community of support and understanding. This is a story about a child with autism and how they think of things a little differently than some. While I am reading I want you to pay close attention to what the character is saying and doing because of how they are feeling. I also want you to notice the pictures and illustrations and how those portray the feeling and emotions of the main character. Have you ever felt this way before? What did you do?
I started with the opening move of providing important background knowledge. Many students will not know exactly what autism is and so it is important that children have the facts before they make assumptions. The other moves I made was inviting the students to notice the illustrations and the feelings of the characters in the story and how they are affecting the story. Then I wanted them to make a personal connection on similarities with the main character and how they can relate. This will help them see children with autism as peers and not different.
I chose this book because it not only explores the idea of differences, it explores autism and how that affects the child with autism and the people around them. Children have a hard time understanding disabilities and how they work. This book gives insight into a child with autism and how they might perceive the world differently.
School Library Journal
( October 01, 2011; 9781416996491 )
K-Gr 2-Created as a companion to a film of the same name, this quiet wisp of a story poignantly portrays the loneliness and social challenges experienced by a boy on the autistic spectrum. The pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoon illustrations, combined with ample white space and varied font sizes, render a warm, light touch to what could be a heavy subject. Pictured sitting alone on a busy, noisy playground, the boy describes how the cacophony created by the other children drives him to sit apart: "They are there. I am here." When a gentle breeze wafts a rectangle of paper into his lap, he painstakingly folds it into a paper airplane. In his imagination, the plane flies him off blissfully into the sky, then swoops down nearly to the ground only to be launched into space again by the playground kids. In reality, a girl finds the paper airplane when it floats to the ground and returns it to the boy, her smile and selfless action bridging the gap between them. The utility of this book for young children, whether or not they are on the autistic spectrum, will be greatly enhanced with adult facilitation. Best for collections needing very simple materials to start conversations about human differences.-Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
I started with the opening move of providing important background knowledge. Many students will not know exactly what autism is and so it is important that children have the facts before they make assumptions. The other moves I made was inviting the students to notice the illustrations and the feelings of the characters in the story and how they are affecting the story. Then I wanted them to make a personal connection on similarities with the main character and how they can relate. This will help them see children with autism as peers and not different.
I chose this book because it not only explores the idea of differences, it explores autism and how that affects the child with autism and the people around them. Children have a hard time understanding disabilities and how they work. This book gives insight into a child with autism and how they might perceive the world differently.
School Library Journal
( October 01, 2011; 9781416996491 )
K-Gr 2-Created as a companion to a film of the same name, this quiet wisp of a story poignantly portrays the loneliness and social challenges experienced by a boy on the autistic spectrum. The pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoon illustrations, combined with ample white space and varied font sizes, render a warm, light touch to what could be a heavy subject. Pictured sitting alone on a busy, noisy playground, the boy describes how the cacophony created by the other children drives him to sit apart: "They are there. I am here." When a gentle breeze wafts a rectangle of paper into his lap, he painstakingly folds it into a paper airplane. In his imagination, the plane flies him off blissfully into the sky, then swoops down nearly to the ground only to be launched into space again by the playground kids. In reality, a girl finds the paper airplane when it floats to the ground and returns it to the boy, her smile and selfless action bridging the gap between them. The utility of this book for young children, whether or not they are on the autistic spectrum, will be greatly enhanced with adult facilitation. Best for collections needing very simple materials to start conversations about human differences.-Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
January 12, 2012
I'm Here by Peter H. Reynolds is a look at the often silent world of a kid struggling to connect with his peers and speaks to the universal need to be loved and heard.
A young boy sits by himself on the playground while other children play, make noise and interact. The boy feels "they are there" and "I am here." The breeze pats his head, leaves visit, and a piece of paper lands in front of him. The boy folds it into a paper airplane and launches it, imagining himself flying into the stars. The paper airplane lands and a girl brings it back to the boy. She may be a friend. Information on the inside of the book jacket lets readers know that this book encourages others to reach out, embrace, and appreciate children in the autism spectrum, as well as anyone who is different from themselves.
This powerful, quiet, deceptively simple story will touch the emotions of many with its powerful message. It portays the loneliness and sadness of those who are different with eloquence. It is both a friendship story and a glimpse into the autistic perspective.
The illustrations are rendered in pen, ink, watercolor and some digital color. My favorite images include the two page spread with the boy covering his ears, the cover, the steps in making the paper airplane, the boy soaring above the clouds to the stars, the returning of the plane, and the final illustration.
For ages 4 to 8, friendship, disabilities, autism, realistic, emotions, self-esteem, imagination and fans of Peter H. Reynolds.
A young boy sits by himself on the playground while other children play, make noise and interact. The boy feels "they are there" and "I am here." The breeze pats his head, leaves visit, and a piece of paper lands in front of him. The boy folds it into a paper airplane and launches it, imagining himself flying into the stars. The paper airplane lands and a girl brings it back to the boy. She may be a friend. Information on the inside of the book jacket lets readers know that this book encourages others to reach out, embrace, and appreciate children in the autism spectrum, as well as anyone who is different from themselves.
This powerful, quiet, deceptively simple story will touch the emotions of many with its powerful message. It portays the loneliness and sadness of those who are different with eloquence. It is both a friendship story and a glimpse into the autistic perspective.
The illustrations are rendered in pen, ink, watercolor and some digital color. My favorite images include the two page spread with the boy covering his ears, the cover, the steps in making the paper airplane, the boy soaring above the clouds to the stars, the returning of the plane, and the final illustration.
For ages 4 to 8, friendship, disabilities, autism, realistic, emotions, self-esteem, imagination and fans of Peter H. Reynolds.
September 23, 2011
While a crowd of children play together on the playground, one boy sits alone, waiting. When first a leaf and then a sheet of paper fly nearby, he folds the paper into an airplane and sends it sailing into the sky. He imagines that it goes so high that it touches the clouds before descending and being caught by the children playing nearby. Finally, a girl brings back the paper airplane, and her smile promises a new friendship. The book's message is important, and readers may be reminded to reach out to others who may seem different from them. The pen, ink, watercolor and digital illustrations are deceptively simple, but they still allow emotions to flicker across the face of the boy.
February 2, 2014
This subtle story is about a young boy with autism and the loneliness he experiences. If you're looking for a way to teach young children about differences and acceptance, this would be a great story to share. Be sure to check out the film version on YouTube.
**Note: I think a lot of readers will miss that the main character in this story has autism. I was aware because I had read a review of the book prior to reading it. Understanding that the character has autism is critical to fully understanding the message behind this book.
**Note: I think a lot of readers will miss that the main character in this story has autism. I was aware because I had read a review of the book prior to reading it. Understanding that the character has autism is critical to fully understanding the message behind this book.
June 21, 2017
Peter Reynolds always writes simple stories that have such depth and meaning.
In this story a young boy sees the world a little differently. He is sitting on the beach watching, hearing other children playing. He is aware of the sounds so loud for him, and the breeze touching him, and then a sheet of paper that blows over to him. He folds the paper into a plane and imagines flying. Eventually, another child notices him.
This story is lovely in simplicity and feeling, expressing what it is like to be autistic or with a perspective different from other children.
In this story a young boy sees the world a little differently. He is sitting on the beach watching, hearing other children playing. He is aware of the sounds so loud for him, and the breeze touching him, and then a sheet of paper that blows over to him. He folds the paper into a plane and imagines flying. Eventually, another child notices him.
This story is lovely in simplicity and feeling, expressing what it is like to be autistic or with a perspective different from other children.
August 4, 2017
When I opened the book, I knew the child struggled with noise and crowds and was likely on the autism spectrum. I have put sound dampening head sets on a lot of children in the last several months. The paper airplane day dream, confused me about where the story was going. I really wanted to love this story, but keep furrowing my brow trying to pull it all together. Sorry. I really like the illustrations and I am glad to see that someone is trying to create a story about finding ways to include people who struggle with being included.
July 26, 2016
By the second page, I could see my autistic friend's personality shining from the mc, though I had no idea this book was inspired by a real boy on the spectrum. In perfect Peter Reynolds style, I'm Here explores and explains what it's like for some kids with autism. A beautifully illustrated tale of friendship.
September 9, 2011
A quiet, subtle story with powerful message.
February 25, 2013
What a meaningful and profound book about validating another human being. I would love to use this book in a Morning Meaning to share the power of just being there for another person. Great book.
September 13, 2014
For the world, you may be one person, but for one person, you may be the world. Perfect quote to sum up this book. Friendship is powerful.
October 28, 2020
This book is a book about being kind and reaching out to others. In the world today being different or looking different is something that everyone seems to notice. This book takes place on a playground. One child plays alone but eventually a girl comes over and they become friends. This friendship was made through throwing a paper airplane in the air. Friendships can be made in many different ways. It this book the boy seemed introverted and isolated. I know personally I was a introverted person. The reason me and my best friend became friends was because she was a very talkative person and always got in trouble for talking. The table I sat at was quiet so the teacher moved her to my table. We eventually ended up getting separated because she talked to me so much we became really close so we both didn't stop talking. Friendships are made in all sorts of ways. I feel everyone can relate to this book in someway. The pictures really make the story come alive and are very colorful and go along with text. The are done in watercolor and marker and it makes them clear. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it. This book shows students how it is okay the way they are and that they will make friends in many different ways.
April 18, 2018
This book tells the story of a young boy with autism who is perfectly content sitting apart from the group, but also finds comfort in friends. I originally just thought that this book was about a boy who enjoyed spending time alone, but after reading the author’s note in the back and learning more about the protagonist this tale became even more powerful.
I originally picked this book up because it was written and illustrated by Peter Reynolds who created the book “The Dot” which I found adorable and beautifully illustrated. This book had the same effortless, cute, and relatable feel. The watercolor illustrations are simple, but they clearly show the emotions of the characters.
This is a book that I would love to read to my class. I thought the line “the distance between two people is only as big as you let it be” was extremely powerful. This would make a great addition to a lesson on kindness or acceptance of others.
I originally picked this book up because it was written and illustrated by Peter Reynolds who created the book “The Dot” which I found adorable and beautifully illustrated. This book had the same effortless, cute, and relatable feel. The watercolor illustrations are simple, but they clearly show the emotions of the characters.
This is a book that I would love to read to my class. I thought the line “the distance between two people is only as big as you let it be” was extremely powerful. This would make a great addition to a lesson on kindness or acceptance of others.
February 24, 2021
I'm Here is a sweet story about a group of kids who come together and lift each other up. This story shows children reaching out to one another to prove that they are never alone in this world and always have a friend. I'm here also brings awareness to children that have autism, but makes everyone feel accepted, wanted, and loved by those around them. This is a great book to bond students together and lets them realize that they are never alone, they are heard, that they are here and important.
June 2, 2021
"I'm Here" is a story about a child with autism. He wants friends at his school, but he doesn't know how to. The child sees a paper flowing in the wind and land in front of him, so he makes it into an airplane. After the paper lands a girl finds it and brings it back to the child. In the end they become friends. To be honest, this book made me almost cry because it sends a powerful message. And I Quote, " To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." This message tells you that you are never alone because there is always going to be someone thinking about you.
July 9, 2017
Miss 2 and I like to explore different books at the library and try to get different ones out every week or so. This is a simple picture book that's enjoyable in it's simplicity but is also useful as a starting point, to talk about how everyone has different ways of communicating or interacting with the world. It can be used to talk about autism, or being shy, or being an introvert, or just about how everyone is different.
March 26, 2020
I love back stories on why a book was written, Peter H. Reynolds has been reading a book a day and he was explaining that this book was written for a friends son who has Autism. He often can’t communicate well with large crowds dish as at a park, and she wanted others to know just how awesome her quiet son was. So sweet and such a fun paper airplane ride! Community, empathy, and imagination are huge components in this little book. Thank you Mr. Reynolds for your work and your support of others.
October 10, 2020
A sweet book with a main character who is on the autism spectrum (this is not explicitly said in the text but is mentioned in the back flap. I thought about the character being autistic but wondered if that was just me projecting since I’m currently in an Autism Studies graduate program). The child doesn’t join in with others because it’s too loud so he ends up doing his own thing but is also happy to be acknowledged. A cute book but not my favorite of Reynolds.
October 24, 2020
This book reminds us that children and the friendships they make can take happen in many different ways. I love the illustrations because they stand out and they are very clear for young readers to get an understanding of. any child who is isolated, introverted, or reserved will find something of themselves to recognize and appreciate. A very warm touching book that teaches students it's okay to be the way they are!
September 4, 2025
This is a soft, emotional story that does a great job of showing how lonely it is and how powerful it is to connect with others. The book's simple but powerful words and Reynolds' famous drawings tell readers that one act of kindness can bring someone back into the group of people who feel like they belong, even if they feel invisible or left out. A moving and hopeful book that promotes understanding, acceptance, and kindness, making it great for both kids and adults.
November 17, 2018
I did not know this book was intended to depict a child with autism, or I had forgotten that when I first read it, and I felt like young children might be confused. But the more I read this book, the more I appreciated the story. This would definitely be useful for starting conversations in my classroom.
June 12, 2017
I've adored every book we've picked up by this author/illustrator! This book can mean so many things to different people. I saw how a common object can start a friendship with someone who is struggling. Definitely recommend!
July 15, 2017
This was pitched to me by my librarian as related to an autistic student, and it helped me get inside the experience of such a child I know. And then I tried reading it without that frame, and it still held up as a sense-oriented experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews