Be A Bridge

by Irene Latham, Charles Waters, Nabila Adani

new

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, School, Poetry, Storytime

32 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

Irene Latham is a poet and novelist who was born the middle child and first daughter of five kids.

Irene has lived all sorts of places and traveled worldwide. Since 1984 she has called Birmingham, Alabama, home.

She thinks growing up with three brothers was great preparation for raising her three sons. She also thinks getting a sister was one of the best things that has ever happened to her.

Irene is proud to be the only leftie in her family of origin AND in her current family.

According to Irene's Dr. Seuss' MY BOOK ABOUT ME, she has wanted to be writer since she was eight years old.

She also wanted to train a horse that her sister would ride to victory in the Kentucky Derby. That hasn't happened. Yet.

Irene didn't take a single writing course in college.

Reviews

[MusingsofRu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be A Bridge has beautifully illustrated images within a story about acceptance and bravery. The images include fantastic inclusivity and representation. It shows children ways to be kind and support classmates. Be A Bridge is a book I would choose for my home.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing for the DRC.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can you make a difference in someone's life or day? This book offers lots of examples of kids making the right choices.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title!

[MookNana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a "message" book rather than a story book, but it's a great message! This would be very useful for Social-Emotional Learning lessons. It could be a great prompt to help students brainstorm ways they have the power to be kind. The length of the text makes it most suited to early elementary and the situations presented are relatable to that age group. The illustrations are bright and engaging and feature a diversity of people so that lots of students can see themselves on the page. This is probably not one you'll pull out for fun, but it's a great resource and conversation-starter.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Shifa Safadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so refreshing to me! This isn’t a book with a hijabi just as token diversity (nothing wrong with muslims in the illustrations, it does make me smile, but this book just felt so authentic and it is due to the illustrator being a hijabi muslim herself!! Truly #ownvoice rep matters!!)

Genre: Picture Book
Ages: 5-8
Available: Amazon (August release date)

I loved how this book started with a quote from Rumi, and related the theme of building bridges between people with the theme of rainbows (bridges of light and water).

The book offered practical SEL advice on how to build bridges, which includes steps on being the first to welcome someone new, inviting others to play and respecting their right to refuse, standing up to bullies, respecting religious beliefs, acknowledging the messiness in life, listening to others, being confident, being present, and being with a community!

Rainbow shoelaces in this story represent inclusivity (as referenced in the author’s note) and the book teaches kids to be kind to each other.

The rhymes were wonderful and the illustrations AMAZING!!

And my fave part: this is the first book I have ever read in which it is addressed that there are Muslims who don’t play music, and the book shows that others should respect that right and be understanding of it both through the words and the pictures! This is such wonderful representation and messaging!!

I also loved how the hijabi girl made duaa before eating and the book emphasized respecting other’s religious practices.

The awesome thing in this diverse book is that no color, race, or religion was othered. The hijabi girl was not the new kid from another country, she was part and parcel of the community. And so was everyone else on the book, part of the wonderful loving community experiencing life together!

An adorable book and one I can’t wait to preorder and read to my kids!

[Sam Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this children’s picture book on how to ‘Be a Bridge through acts of kindness!’ As a Healthcare Provider, we had to attend classes on how acts of positivity create rippling affects. I found that the concept greatly improved the attitude in the hospital. I’m grateful that you are publishing a children’s book on this topic as children who learn these lessons will make the world a kinder place.

The opening phrase “Love is the bridge between you and everything,” is a powerful and loving concept that should be taught to every child. I enjoyed the rhyming formatting of the story. The various examples of being kind and encouraging in every situation takes the ‘Golden Rule’ to the next level.

The illustrations are bright, vibrant, cheerful, and fun. Children ages 4 – 9 will greatly benefit from this book. It could be integrated into a social studies module in the classroom thus making the classroom a more peaceful learning environment. The book would also be a nice addition to any household. As another thought, the concepts of this book could be used in a in a picture book for gifting to a friend.

Additionally, I feel that the references, activities, and pledge at the end of the book, will aid in implementing the concepts discussed.

I am grateful for this book as I feel the message will make the world a better place, one reader at a time.

I want to thank Authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Illustrator Nabila Adani, Carolrhoda Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this Advanced Reader’s Copy. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.

[Lanette Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful illustrations and a delightful poem ask children to commit to being a bridge to love with everyone they meet. The book even has a "Bridge Builder Pledge" at the end that teachers or parents can print out and have children sign, as well as a glossary of activities for building bridges and learning how to be a conduit for kindness.

I love the opening of this book-poem: "When you wake up/ to a world of bad news,/ pack up your backpack/ and lace up your shoes. // You've got a job to do/ BE A BRIDGE." The book goes on from there to illustrate all the ways children can brighten the days of others, by being polite, by standing up to bullies, by welcoming new kids and inviting outsiders into your circle, by accepting difference, by listening when others speak, and by offering empathy when someone is in a bad mood. That last one is another of my favorite verses: "When a friend's mood turns story/ over a mistake made in art,/ saying 'That's happened to me before,'/ is a great place to start."

The illustrations show a diverse group of children of different races and religions and abilities (with one child in a wheelchair). Given how direct this book is in its instruction, it is probably best read to preschoolers or kindergarteners, children young enough to still be interested in adult advice about how to be in the world. Though honestly, everyone could benefit from following the advice in this children's story, including the advice that it's ok to be alone and that sometimes all we can do to help a friend is sit with them and hold space for their pain.

Thanks to Netgalley, Lerner Books, and CarolRhoda Books for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest review, which it was a pleasure for me to provide.

[Jessica Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork is beautiful, diverse, and fun to look at! The overall message of the story (compassion/empathy/kindness/love) is a good one, too, but there were a couple parts that didn't quite sit right with me:

1. The opening lines are, "When you wake up to a world of bad news, pack up your backpack and lace up your shoes. You've got a job to do--BE A BRIDGE." This threw me off a bit, because I don't feel that it's fair to expect young children to be responsible (even a little, really) for the bad news in the world that is caused almost entirely by adults. I get the point--be nice, empathetic, caring, etc.--but I don't like the idea that it's a "job" or "duty," particularly for young children who are still developing and figuring out where they fit in the world.

2. A couple additional lines could come across a bit "shame-y" toward children who are introverted and/or have a harder time speaking up: "When someone new walks in, be the first to say hello." "If you see someone outside the circle watching others play, wave them over, invite them in." I'm sure some people will say I'm taking this too literally or that no child would feel shamed by these lines, but trust me, as an introverted person, I felt shame from these exact sort of expectations all the time growing up. Introverted, quiet, and shy people have their own place in the world and they can still be kind and make a difference even if they're not the first to approach someone.

Despite these issues, I found the book to be very sweet with a great message: "A bridge is love. And love is you! Take a chance--imagine all the good you can do."

Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for the ARC for review.

[Kirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is a quote by Rumi, "Love is a bridge between you and everything," and the rainbow theme is used to show inclusivity, a symbol often synonymous with the LGBTQ+ community, but not one that is exclusive to one group or another. The book features a #muslimintheillustration and I absolutely love that she is not the new kid in class, and when she doesn't want to participate in a music activity that is ok. She is given space to make dua before she eats and she too is a good friend when someone is hurting. The kids model the suggestions the text is making on how to be a bridge of inclusion, kindness, community, and compassion. The illustrator is Muslim (#muslimillustrator) and the book a great way to help kids be better to one another by highlighting familiar, relatable scenarios and action plans to be bridges for others. Perfect for ages 4-8. #muslimsintheillustrations #2022 #islamicschoollibrarian @lernerpublishing

[Emily Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be a Bridge is a story that reminds us to take the time to "be a bridge," meaning that you can choose to be someone who builds bridges with the people around us by being kind, encouraging, including everyone- even people you may not think to include otherwise. Be a bridge includes illustrations of children from all walks of life. I chose this book for my classroom library because it highlights diversity in a fun, lyrical way. The story is told through rhymes and bright illustrations. The intended audience for this book would be young children ~2-3 grade reading level. Key themes of this book include: diversity, empathy, inclusion, kindness, mindfulness, and respect.

[Hannah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE. I have a two year old who we just want to be a kind person and this book is full of life lessons that honestly a lot of even adults need to hear. I love the rhyming and the short to the point poetry (if you’re a parent, you get that a few words on a page is golden!) and she loved the photos. I love the message and the verbiage this book gave to us.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST READ book, especially right now. Perfect for kids of all ages [and adults IMO], it is a very good and timely reminder that we ALL need to be a bridge, to reach out to those who are sad and lonely, to learn to listen and not speak, to not speak over others who ARE speaking, that it is okay to be alone, and that it is NEVER EVER okay to be a bully. It is good to be a comforter, to respect those who believe differently than you do [very relevant now that prayer will be back in school - we need to remember that not everyone prays the same and we need to respect ALL forms of prayer - I love the illustration of this in the book], and to work with your community to be accepting of others that are new to where you live. We ALL need this reminder right now.

Fantastically illustrated, simply written, this is an amazing book that I will be recommending to everyone I know. There is a lovely authors note at the back and a resource list on things to do to build bridges in your own life. There is also a pledge to download, print and sign, that is a commitment to be the bridge wherever you are and to adopt and adhere to the things taught in this book.

What an absolute joy to read this. I am so glad that I did.

Thank you to NetGalley, Irene Latham, Charles Waters, Nabila Adani - Illustrator, and Lerner Publishing Group/Carolrhoda Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poets Irene Latham and Charles Waters, along with illustrator Nabila Adani, have made a beautiful rhyming book that shows young children how to create community. Opening with a Rumi quote, "Love is the bridge between you and everything," the text gives children a job: "Be a bridge," and gives examples of what that means. The illustrations show children from diverse backgrounds and with diverse abilities and talents, with advice on how to include each one. I especially like the spread in which children around making music. The text says, "If you see someone outside the circle/watching others play,/wave them over, invite them in--/if they say no, that's okay." Invite, and don't feel rejected if the invitation is refused. Standing up against bullies, respecting others' beliefs and traditions, encouraging others, and other basic but important lessons are shown in simple language and relatable pictures. Back matter includes an authors note, suggested bridge-building activities, other books with similar themes, and a Bridge Builder Pledge. This would be a great book to use in upper pre-school and early elementary to help children positively navigate the social aspects of the classroom and the world at large and remove their fear of "the different." I was pleased to win this book from Bookelicious

[Morel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading and reviewing this book after being gifted an eARC of it through NetGalley. My opinions and thoughts are honest and my own.

It’s books like these that make me wish I had them around as a child.
This picture book written in verse teaches kids the different ways they can “be a bridge” from being welcoming to new students to giving each other space for prayer. The end of the book has a “Bridge Builder Pledge” for readers, which is also available digitally.

I thought the lines written in verse flowed well while keeping the messaging clear and thought-provoking. I love a picture book with colorful illustrations. This book also features a diverse group of both children and teachers in the illustrations. Diverse representation is important for kids to learn about folks different from them, or so that they can see representation for their own identities.

“When all the swings are taken
and your feelings turn to stone—
remember a bridge stays steady.
It’s all right to be alone.”

I would buy this picture book for my future children’s library. I think it teaches important lessons about the various ways you can be a kind, brave, and respectful person. “You’ve got a job to do—BE A BRIDGE.”

My Storygraph Review

[Rebecca Parten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Be a Bridge by Irene Latham and Charles Waters is a gorgeously illustrated book with a message that all can benefit from. The text is fun and engaging. Even in digital format I can tell that the illustrations will be amazing in a printed format. The cast of characters throughout the book is quite diverse. There are kids and adults of all races and ethnicities. There is a young girl wearing a hijab. There’s a student who uses a manual wheelchair. I can see this book being an excellent addition for a child’s home library or a classroom library. In fact I’ve already suggested that my friend who’s a first grade teacher consider adding it to her classroom library once it’s released. The authors also include a listing of additional books and activity ideas to reinforce the concepts described in the book. There is also a Bridge Builder Pledge that kids can sign. The authors also provide a link for a downloadable version of the pledge which would be perfect for classrooms or similar groups.

[Daniele Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does it mean to be a bridge? The authors explore the idea of connecting people and bringing them together in this delightful children's tale about friendship and differences.

The cast of characters throughout the book is beautifully diverse. There are kids and adults of all races and ethnicities illustrated. There is a young girl wearing a hijab and another child who uses a manual wheelchair. Children will see people of all shapes, sizes, colors, ethnicities, races, and with varying abilities in the world around them. Their naturally curious minds will want to know more about them and this book will show them how to connect to those who are different, embrace and befriend them beyond just accepting them.

This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating important topics such as kindness, friendship, diversity and tolerance of differences into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach an important life skill in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classroom libraries, counselling offices and more.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In rhyming text, an elementary class demonstrates how to foster connection and respect using the theme and the imagery of building a bridge. Common scenarios like saying hello, offering comfort when words won't do, empathizing with others when something goes wrong, and many more small vignettes will help classrooms begin conversations on how to create classroom harmony.

The rhyming poetry of the text and the colorful digitally created artwork will appeal to the intended audience of ages 4-8. This would be a fine beginning of the school year read aloud for preschool to early elementary children. The book also offers an author's note explaining the purpose of their book, bridge builder activity suggestions for active participation, more picture books to read together about the topic, and a bridge builder pledge.

I would recommend this book for purchase by elementary and public library collections.

This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[The Colorful Muse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be a bridge between them and us.

It’s time for school and two kids have a job to do, they need to be the bridge.
How you might ask?
It’s really simple.

A new kid in class?
Smile and say hello.

If someone is left out of an activity
wave and invite them in!

Is someone talking?
Listen and let them be heard.


Being a bridge is an act of kindness that leaves long-lasting impact on the community.
These seemingly small gestures can be the start of something life-changing. As grown-ups, we often may remember (or is it just me?) the pivotal moment when kids formed that bridge to connect us which changed our course for the better.

It may be scary to be a bridge, but sometimes courage is that first step that’s needed.

An absolutely beautiful book about empathy, kindness, and inclusion. The warm illustrations full of vibrant colors and diversity is making this a fast favorite and must-have on any bookshelf.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be a Bridge
by Irene Latham; Charles Waters
Pub Date 02 Aug 2022 | Archive Date 31 Jul 2022
Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Books ®
Children's Fiction | Multicultural Interest | Poetry



I am reviewing a copy of Be a Bridge through Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Books and Netgalley:


Be A Bridge is an upbeat picture book by acclaimed authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters. Be a Bridge brings the themes from their earlier collaborations (Can I Touch Your Hair? and Dictionary for a Better World) to a young audience. Rhyming verse describes different ways in which readers can "be a bridge," from welcoming a new student and listening respectfully when someone else is talking to standing up to a bully and comforting a classmate who is upset.



Nabila Adani' uses cheerful illustrations to depict a diverse group of students, including young versions of Charles and Irene.



I give Be a Bridge five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In rhyming text by Irene Latham and Charles Waters with colorful illustrations for every 'bridge-building' idea by Nabila Adani, a child (or a class) can learn about bridge-building in all kinds of ways. They can say "hello" to someone new, offer to share an activity with someone who looks like they'd like to join in, and stand up to someone who's saying something mean about another's dress or different way of acting. Connecting to another in caring ways is a good thing to do. Charles and Irene have created a book that will help teachers share with their classes or kids to read and discover their own special ways to "Be A Bridge".
There is a note from the authors, a list of activities, more book ideas, and a "Bridge Builder Pledge" at the back. Be sure to find this book!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this picture book! It’s a story that celebrates and encourages inclusivity, respect, and connection.

Children throughout the book are depicted to build bridges between them and their peers by standing up for their classmates, inviting someone to play, showing others respect, and overall bridging connections by being open minded.

Nabila Adani’s illustrations are full of vibrant color and lush detail that serve to show the spectrum of people in a community. There is representation of multiple cultures and bodies. It’s warm and bright and colorful and exudes a welcoming aura.

At the end of the book, readers can find bridge builder activities and recommendations on more books that encourage connections. This is a wonderful read and perfect for readers ages 4-9.

[Chanda Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book for a Family Culture Night, where I hosted a table for the library, featuring different diverse books through culture, race, family, practices and beliefs, and so much more, even including neurodivergence, mixed identities, refugees, immigrants, and more. This book tells kids how they can be a bridge of kindness in their everyday life, such as with friends at school, standing up against a bully, etc. It's practical, useful, and relevant, and I think it gives them useful advice and information they can directly apply to their lives. I like the diverse portrayals in the book and the illustrative style. I also like the activities in the back for application and the author's note that explains the intention and plan with the book.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be a Bridge is a beautiful and inspiring children's book with breathtaking and colorful illustrations. The message is essential in letting young children know how to be a friend, tune with feelings/emotions, display inclusivity, and welcome diversity.

As a kindergarten teacher, I do many friendship activities in building classroom connections. This book has it all through the pages and the pledge at the end and activities to finish it up.

I recommend this book and cannot wait to have it in my own school!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Wendi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The illustrations are colorful and vibrant, and the message is beautiful: be kind to others, be welcoming to all, and be a good listener when others need to speak.

"Listening takes courage.
Let every voice be heard."

All the illustrations of the children going through their school day (art class, lunch, recess) are wonderful. I especially love the detail of the children eating diverse lunches together. This is something my daughter is currently having issues with at her school.

I will definitely order a copy of this for our home, and an extra copy for our diverse free little library.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Hailey Hconroybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that teaches children about diversity, kindness, and inclusivity. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and my 4 year old twin daughters loved “reading” the book to themselves and scanning through all the pictures after we finished it.

This book contains valuable lessons about showing compassion to others and standing up to bullies. My daughter remarked that, “if you see someone makin fun of other kids, you stand up straight and tell them to cut it out.”

I got choked up reading this beautiful book. Thanks to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing group for access to this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber (ambernreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is about building bridges, bridges of love and community. The book is full of beautiful art of children helping, being there for, and being friends with other children, while the words explain different ways to do those things. At the end of the book, there are also some bridge building activities, as well as some other book recommendations on the same subject (both which were great touches!)

I'd definitely recommend this one to anyone with young children. It would also be a great one for preschool libraries!

*I was given a copy of this title via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be a Bridge is an illustrated children's book that helps give children, and parents in my opinion, ways to help others feel welcome. I have read this to my daughter a few times. She enjoys the vibrant illustrations in this book. And the illustrations in this book are top notch! They are colorful, vibrant and inclusive to the diverse world we live in. They really reflect the message of the book.

This book is a must for parents and teachers who want to teach their littles inclusivity and kindness. I can't wait to see what it looks like in print! I will be looking out for this to get for my daughter once it is published!

[Alexondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for the ARC!

This is such a beautiful book in every conceivable way. The illustrative text, illustrations, vibrant colors, and the central themes of the story all come together to form a gorgeous story that anyone would be lucky to have on their bookshelves, or in their classrooms or library. The story centers around the theme of "being a bridge for others" and focuses on acts of kindness and generosity. The illustrations are engaging and vibrant, and I want to frame every page on my wall because they are just so pretty. This is a perfect addition for anyone looking for more SEL books for their kiddos, as this book practically oozes compassion, love, and positivity. Highly recommend! I can't wait to buy this for my library!

[Kelsey Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an elementary school counselor I highly recommend “Be A Bridge” for Pre-K- 2 classrooms!

The rhyming text gives children concrete examples of how they can be a kind, inclusive, Upstanders (a bridge) to others. (Ie. Saying hello to a new student, inviting someone to join an activity, standing up to kids if they are teasing someone, etc.)

The illustrations in this story are beautiful and inclusive of many different races, religions, and abilities. A physical copy of this book will definitely be added to my shelf when it is released!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review

[Faith Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this rhyming text which has bright, cartoonish illustrations of diverse children and adults, readers are encouraged to be a bridge from “fear to trust” and “between them and us.” This would be a great book for guidance counselors to add to their libraries and for teachers to use at the beginning of the school year to talk about and teach respect and expectations regarding behavior towards others. It provides different realistic scenarios with suggestions as to how the reader could respond. Back matter includes an authors’ note about inspiration for the book, websites with corresponding activities, a bibliography of additional resources, and a Bridge Builder Pledge.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about the superpower we all possess: the power of kindness. Easy to follow with great examples for young kids to follow on how to include everyone and pass along the gift of caring. Illustrations are engaging and help young readers access the message better. Inclusive artwork makes this book relatable for every reader. Further bridge building activities are listed at the end of the book along with the bridge builder pledge. A great way to start a school year to set a safe, inclusive class atmosphere.