I Am We: A Book of Community (A Picture Book)

by Susan Verde, Peter H. Reynolds (illustrator)

Cultivate connection and kindness in author Susan Verde’s and Peter H. Reynolds’s I Am We, a companion to the New York Times bestsellers I Am Human and I Am LoveConnected is what we part of a world-wide community, diverse and magnificent, kind and accepting, supportive and present. All of us important, none of us alone.Sometimes we may wonder, how does caring for ourselves help anyone else? But then we realize that the better we feel inside, the more we can be there for others—our friends, families, and communities. We are part of something bigger than ourselves, and when we each turn our goodness and compassion outward, we can create, learn, and love.From the New York Times bestselling team behind the I Am series comes a celebration of caring for ourselves AND others with open hearts and minds. Whether it’s listening to a friend, welcoming newcomers with open arms, or standing up against injustice, I Am We shows us what true community looks like—and the amazing things that can happen when we come together.Inside you’ll also find exercises for building community. I Am Am Me I Am WeWho I Am I Am CourageI Am One I Am Love I Am HumanI Am PeaceI Am Yoga

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Inspirational, Activism, Mental Health

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Susan Verde is a New York Times bestselling children’s author, children’s yoga and mindfulness expert, former teacher, and parent. By 2022 she will have more than 20 picture books in the marketplace. She is a highly sought after speaker at conferences, festivals, and schools across the nation, and spends half the year on the road working with children and families. Verde is a frequent contributor to online magazines and has appeared on multiple podcasts speaking about writing, parenting, mindfulness, and yoga. She lives in East Hampton, New York.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am more than me…
I am we.”

This week, my husband and I and our 2 cardigan corgis, Oliver and Oscar took a short trip up the coast of California. We decided to walk in Monterey (Steinbeck Country), before settling in for two nights in Carmel-by-the-sea. This was our first overnight trip together in five years. It was also our first dog-friendly hotel experience. We stayed at the Cypress Inn, which use to be co-owned by late actress and animal activist, Doris Day. https://cypress-inn.com Her movies play on a television screen in the lobby.

I loved being in Carmel. Be-ing in nature amongst the white-sands, sparkly ocean, walkable, dog-friendly beach. The shops all within walking distance. And, it was at one of those shops, Pilgrim’s Way Community Bookstore & Secret Garden that I found this book.

This book teaches self-care. Self-love. Self-understanding. And, just how all of that makes us available to be there for others, “…because I do not exist alone; I am part of something bigger than myself.”

The book has a formidable, healing, and dynamic message for both parents, teachers and children to learn, set amongst colorful, bright and descriptive illustrations.

It’s message shares that we are more than just being me, because “I am we.” That we are a community. We are not alone on this journey.

The messages are powerful and passionate. Considering the world today, this book would be a great reminder for adults, about the importance of community. Recognizing how we learn and gain from our diversity. And, the significance of humanity working together.

“Connection is how I grow. Connection is how we grow. Connected is what we are: part of a worldwide community, diverse and magnificent, kind and accepting, supportive and present. All of us important, none of us alone.”

We took this short trip, not just as an opportunity for us to celebrate our current freedom from health drama that we have experienced for the past couple of years, but to also escape the current ugliness of what we bear witness to here in America. I wish America could see the value of this book’s messages right now. In fact, everyone across the world would benefit from this book’s messages. It is books like this that would be perfect as required reading in schools.

Be sure and read the Author’s Note which includes activities for building community.

In closing, it seems only fitting that I should post this review on Valentine’s Day. ♥️A day of love. For ourselves. For each other. For our communities.

Reading level: Ages 4+ - Grade Level: Preschool+

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that looks into the concept of community. So often we here the word; but very rarely is used in the right way. I can tell you that after studying social science for years there is not a concept (that I have come across) that is more 'skewed' and subordinated to an 'overlaying' ideology. Great book to get this concept down!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet little book about supporting others, the importance of community, thoughtful discussions, and also supporting yourself. This was the perfect book for me to read after Hurricane Helene.

[Rolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great entry into an incredible series of picture books exploring important concepts like community, compassion and love.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest outing in the popular I Am series explores the meaning of community through the lens of a girl who wonders if she is being selfish by focusing on her own well-being and emphasizes the importance of each individual’s role in making the world a better place.  Essential self-care makes us better able to help our friends and neighbors, and there is a lot of work to do to build community.  As the little girl interacts with the world around her, readers are reminded to check in on others, welcome newcomers, engage in civil discourse, and speak up when they see injustice, because only through these types of connections can we grow as a person and as a worldwide community.  

This is a lovely book, best for sharing in a group setting with students in grades 2 and up.  Each page spread is poster-caliber and could be used as a daily lesson over the course of a few weeks.  The core of the writing follows a formula of “When… we can… “ and provides constructive suggestions for each situation:  “When there is hurtfulness and inequity, we can stand up for each other.  We can sit, gather, march…” Some of the platitudes might be a little vague for young readers/listeners, and the vocabulary a bit sophisticated, but Reynolds’ charming illustrations in his trademark style shed light on each concept, with a diverse group of children coming together on each page spread.  The soothing color palette enhances the mood of the book, with swirls and hearts and flowers throughout.  An author’s note reinforces the theme of community and suggests a yoga activity and follow-up reflection that can be done with a class or group. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Tori Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shares the important message that when we take care of ourselves and then take that and share it with the world to help others we are capable of building a strong community. I think this is important because students learn not only the importance of helping others, but also helping and taking care of themselves as well. I would use this as a read aloud and then after we would talk about some ways we can take care of ourselves to help ourselves be kind to others and ourselves. Then we would plan a self care day or portion of the day where we would do some of those activities together. This would be a great community builder as well.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

The usual Verde/Reynolds style and message. Considering it's Pride Month AND there are more and more protests against a hateful US government, this book could not be more timely.

"When there is hurtfulness and inequity, we can stand up for each other. We can sit, gather, march, sing, vote, stronger in numbers, louder in voices, as we call for justice."

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, outstanding book for all ages. It describes how taking care of one's self strengthens the entire community! And how we all need each other. "All of us important, none of us alone." Great messages of unity, inclusion, and connection. I loved it!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The newest in her series.
Reynolds illustrations combine with Verde's text to offer readers a look at how supporting each other is important for our world.

[Liz DeLise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan and Peter do it again! 😭😍

[Y.Poston]

a beautiful encouragement

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple message. Happy illustrations. I like Peter Reynolds’s artwork.

[Johannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love it, but it just felt a little too on the nose for me. No nuance or story, just a lovely message smushed in your face. I would have loved to see a little more somehow.

[Megan Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Peaceful read. Much needed advice for these times.

[Ashley (scatteredthistle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so incredibly sweet and a good way to discuss thinking of others.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Am We: A Book of Community (A Picture Book) (I Am Books)
by Susan Verde
How taking care of yourself is not taking from others but showing that you are part of the community.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reminder to be king and nurture oneself to allow that to be shared to the broader community ❤️

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so inspiring and warm to read. It immediately went to my purchase list.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly a bit didactic, but it is an important message elevated by Peter H. Reynolds' ever-lovely illustrations.

[Zoraida Rivera Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this book balances loving ourselves and making space for others and creating community.

[Becca]

I appreciated the end matter and can see using this in a group setting, trying out some tree yoga poses.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Message is on point, but seems more suited to upper elementary, as it all seems a bit abstract.

[Epifania Rita Gallina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 for me and gi a 5/5 and Emma says 1 but she’s just being silly ;)