Be You!

by Peter H. Reynolds

Peter H. Reynolds creates a celebration of individuality--and staying true to Y-O-U!
Be curious...
Be adventurous...
Be brave...
BE YOU!

Discover a reminder of the ways that every child is unique and special.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Inspirational, Self Esteem, Storytime, Fiction, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2020

About the author

Peter Hamilton Reynolds is an author and illustrator of children's books and is the co-Founder and CEO of educational media company FableVision.

Reviews

[Parnian.K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was about to cry reading this story!😭 I loved the part encouraging children to be weird and odd! That’s what I never was taught as a kid. No problem; I’m going to be like that from now on. 🤪

[Panda Incognito · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up this book knowing that I probably wouldn't like it, but I was hoping that it would surprise me. It didn't. The illustrations are exuberant, colorful, and lively, and there are lots of great messages about kindness and creativity, but the constant message of "BE YOU!" grates upon my soul.

Books like these bring out all of my snark, because why should you "BE YOU!" with no sense of direction or guidance outside of your own thoughts and feelings? After all, Hitler was true to himself! Hitler followed his dreams! Just because you have an inclination, thought, or desire does not mean that it is something you should exuberantly embrace and follow.

The page that bothered me the most was the one that shows one person walking in a different direction than three others. The text said that it's good to think for yourself, because it takes you "in the direction of YOU!"

SERIOUSLY? What if the three other people are walking towards a joyful celebration, while you're walking off the edge of a cliff? By all means, think for yourself, but think for yourself because you want to head in the direction of truth, not because you want to follow the direction of you. What if you're wrong or misguided? What if there is information that you don't have, and will never get, because you're not willing to listen to anything but your own heart? What if, on some days, you're a jerk? It's completely unfounded to assume that simply "being yourself" is the panacea for the world's ills.

Most people will find this vibrant book special and inspiring, but my sense of confidence in the inherent goodness of mankind is absolutely nil, so I hate it when books teach children to follow the beat of their own drum no matter where it leads them. History is full of examples of people who went against the tide, thought for themselves, made decisions according to their internal compasses, and destroyed themselves and others with them.

Although this book is designed to inspire future creators and world-changers, not the next Hitler, its underlying message is out of sync with the nature of reality. It is simply not possible for someone to be themselves at all moments without sometimes being a jerk. It's important for children to have self-esteem, express their interests and feelings, and maintain a sense of honesty about who they are, but enshrining their feelings as the guide to all goodness is a superhighway to disappointment and relational dysfunction. I wish that this book could have encouraged the best in children without promoting such a delusional view of human nature.

[Payam Ebrahimi · Rating 1 out of 5]

ابتذال خالص!
پیتر رینولدز بعد از دوران درخشان نویسندگی با کتاب‌هایی مثل «نقطه» و«رنگ آسمان» و … سال‌هاست به بیانیه‌نویسی روآورده. قصه‌گویی رو گذاشته کنار و فقط شعار میده.
توی این کتاب اما پا رو از همه‌ی مزخرفات این چند سالش فراتر گذاشته و سانتی‌مانتالیسم و ابتذال رو در کریه‌ترین شکلِ گوگولیِ ممکن به خورد مخاطب میده.
«دیوانه باش!
رنگی‌رنگی باش!»
زر زر زر

کاش در اوج خداحافظی می‌کردید جناب رینولدز و به فلاکت نوشتن بیانیه‌های مبتذل نمی‌افتادید.

[Unidentified · Rating 4 out of 5]

گوگولی 🥲
درسته واسه بچه ها نوشتن ولی انگار داره با کودک درون آدم حرف میزنه...همونی که وقتی واقعا بچه بود، خیلی چیزا رو تجربه نکرد...واسه همین هیچ وقت بزرگ نشد.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be Persistent! Be Ready! Be Adventurous! Be Different! Be Kind! Be Patient! Be the very best you!

Words of wisdom accompany these and many other mantras, with delightful illustrations by author Peter H. Reynolds, showcasing a very diversified and unique group of young people!

This book is not only a great mantra book for all grown-up's and storytime audiences, but would be a GREAT gift for college bound kids.
This is one of those books that I think (and I don't say this very often about a book) that should be ON EVERY SINGLE PERSON'S SHELF IN THE WORLD!!

Similar in tone to "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss, but the words of affirmation are driven home very clearly and simply. Enjoy the whimsy and wonder of BE YOU!

[Zakiyeee · Rating 4 out of 5]

پر از خشم و زیادی دلخور بودم که با خواهر کوچیکم شروع کردم خوندنش برای بهتر شدن حالم؛ و عمل کرد. نوازش روحی بود اصن ✨


«دیوانه باش، عجیب باش، غریب باش»

«خویشاوند قلبی خودت را پیدا کن»


*برو سراغ آنچه تجربه اش نکردی
نفس عمیق بکش
و شیرجه بزن
در دل تجربه های نو
هربار که این کار را بکنی برایت ساده تر می شود

[Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always be you!

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be buying this for my future child. So cute.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is even better than The Word Collector. It’s basically a children’s version on the topic of Life 101. Examples include Be Adventurous, Be Brave, and Be Connected. My favorites were Be Kind, Be OK Being Alone and of course Be You. Wonderful messages and beautiful illustrations.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me why Peter H. Reynolds is one of my favorite authors. I like the positive message in this book - readers are encouraged to "be your own thinker", "be kind", "be understanding", "be different", "be connected" and "be curious". This book would make a great gift for a graduate ("My wish for you -- no matter where your journey leads--- is for you to always be you!") I am excited to share this book with my students in the upcoming year!

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another find by Lauren, who shares my love of Peter H. Reynolds! Be You! is an encouraging picture book that dares every one of us to be ourselves — to concentrate on learning and growing, being adventurous, kind, persistent, brave, and patient. The message is timeless and Reynolds artwork is simply lovely, as always.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter H. Reynolds celebrates the individuality in each of us in this new book, Be You! He encourages us to be curious, to be adventurous, to be connected, to be persistent, to be different (but what if we just want to fit in?), to be kind, to be brave, to be your own thinker (but I'd also temper that with "listen to scientists and experts"), to be okay alone, to be patient, to be okay asking for help. Every page spread would make a beautiful poster.

[Patricia Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this Reynolds book about "being you" overall. But some pages bugged me and I paused in a distracted way thinking, "Really?" It seemed too much like it was saying "Be self-focused." Although it's important to be true to oneself, and that message is great, some pages felt off-putting to me.

[Zahra Labbafan · Rating 2 out of 5]

حرف هایی که زده شده شبیه نوشته‌های انگیزشی شاید زرد این روزهاست ولی چون برای بچه‌ها نوشته شده شاید تاثیرش بیشتر باشه
اما یک جاهایی حس اینکه شاید باعث شه بچه‌ها از اون ور بوم بیفتند هم داشتم!
تصویرسازی قشنگ و با رنگ های خیلی شاد بود که باعث جذب خواننده میشه

[Natalie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspiring collection of ideas for kids and adults on how to live and experience life. Plant the seeds early!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books, March 2020. $18. 9781338572315

BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT – ESSENTIAL, Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Reynolds writes and illustrates an exuberant book all about how to be the best you possible. Filled with bright artwork and just enough text – I can see each being its own motivational poster. I’d love these for a nursery. This is the kind of picture book that others will gift at birthdays or graduations.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm planning on reading this book at the beginning of the year! Great message and pictures!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will be a new go-to for an end of the school year or graduation send off book. ❤️

[Celeste · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art is lively and I generally approve of the message, but I don't find this kind of preaching book very engaging for young kids.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book. It's as powerful as it is joyous. This is my go-to birthday present for any child from birth to the age of 5 or 6.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why be someone else when you can be you?. This book shares a story on how to learn to be unapologetically you. It shares scenarios on when to feel certain things and how to feel certain things. But the utmost importance is to be yourself no matter what. The main themes in this book include self-reliance. Reynolds emphasizes the necessity to trust yourself always because, at the end of the day, you will always and only have yourself to rely on. Another theme I sensed from reading this was self-awareness. This is because to truly be you, you must be aware of others trying to bring you down. You have to be aware of your and others bias’, ideals, and insecurities to be unapologetically you. The main genre of this book is an informational book. This is because it informs the reader on how to be a better version of themselves. A concept a child reading this book could learn is how to love yourself. When you love yourself, you learn to trust yourself and appreciate the love you have and can give to others without fear or insecurities because you are secure yourself. Another concept is to always be true to yourself. Do not worry about what others think because everyone is special in their own way. I love the life lessons this book can teach children. It teaches children to always be unapologetically themselves. How to be a good person in life to make yourself happy and there for others.


Imagery was used heavily in the book. Phrases like “Take a deep breath and plunge forward into new experiences” are supported with an image of a kid hesitant on a diving board. Reynolds did this to show the fear of doing something like jumping off a diving board but using that fear to gain momentum. Another device used was anaphora. The phrase, “Keep going, never stop” was used to emphasize the importance of never stopping what you’re doing. In this book, author Peter H. Reynolds shares the importance of being true to ourselves. It is important that everyone, especially children, know the significance of loving yourself for who you are and not what others want to mold you to be.

[DANY TORRES · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed by this book, even though it does not have many illustrations. This book has valuable information because it teaches us how we should be regardless of who others are because the important thing is to be yourself. This book is about being yourself; there are many things it includes in order to be successful. It has a lot of information about the importance of being yourself without having to act in any other way. The main theme of the book was self-acceptance. Many people do not accept themselves as they are; sometimes they try to act differently. Maybe these people have a lot of insecurity, but this book teaches us that it is important to act and love ourselves as we are. The main genre of this book is informational. By reading this book, I learned that being yourself is important and accepting ourselves as we are makes us special, because being unique and showing who we really are shows bravery, courage, and, above all, being a real person. This book was a WOW book for me because it has a lot of information that can help many people who have insecurities about being themselves. Also, in history, the author defines each term in a very understandable way.
Some of the literary devices that the author used when writing this book were repetitions; the author repeated the word “be” many times on each page, informing readers what they could do. The author portrayed anti-bias perspectives in this book by including diversity in the illustration and not only in the illustration but also in the message, because it includes the way people should be unique and love themselves as they are. In addition, this book motivates readers to give themselves importance and be able to accept themselves as they really are. Lastly, it can also be a window book because it portrays the uniqueness that others have by spreading diversity and valuing oneself as one is.

[Joselin Cruz]

Do you want your students/children to feel they are invincible? Read this book! In this. Book the author continues to remind you everything you can do in this world. The major theme of the book is to be your true self. The main genre of this book is an informational book. Children reading this book could learn to be more confident with the things they already do or even push them to try new things. It can also teach children new vocabulary. This was a WOW book for me because I think it’s important to let children know how unstoppable they can be throughout their lives.

A few writing techniques the author used that enhanced the quality of the writing in this book were the different color text in the reading as it helped emphasize what humans can do. Also, the words went with the images in the text allowing the reader to connect to the words and pictures. I would consider this an anti-bias book because this is more a confidence booster there isn’t any language that is offensive.

[Allie Maziarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this encouraging and inspiring book that promotes being true to yourself and not holding back! I like how this book introduces a bunch of big words for children like “brave, curious, adventurous, persistent, patient” etc. The characteristics are each in colorful font and the pictures go along perfectly with each word! The pictures help students understand the meaning of these big words that may be new to them! This book could be used in a read-aloud for students and then also placed at a center where students could spend time writing synonyms, words or pictures explaining the characteristics (brave, curious etc.) or showing examples of how they exhibit these traits.

[David Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful inspirational book that allows for bonding and discussion between parent and child, or even adult to adult. It proposes a well thought out balance of pursuing your dreams and being the individual but also reminds that we must be kind, stay connected and reach out to each other for help and support.

[Hugh Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be You by Peter Reynolds is beautiful picture book that is encouraging & mindful of the value & awesomeness of being who you are and living your life with purpose. This book is a nice reminder for all ages. #mcdreads

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colors associated with different feelings are so spot on. Reminiscent of Roald Dahl and David Walliams, but with a unique American twist on their vibe. Absolutely in love with this author/ illustrator.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥ ♥ ♥

I needed a best seller from the kindle list for the spring kindle challenge and this one popped up and since I follow the author on Insta, I have always wanted to actually READ one of his books. I am so glad I did and I will be reading more. HOW absolutely delightful.

[Kathysha Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be You by Peter H. Reynolds is a book about helping remind children to embrace their uniqueness and to be true to themselves. One of the major themes in this book was the importance of self-acceptance. The story follows a young character who discovers the power of authenticity and encourages readers to do the same. Reynolds emphasizes, through vivid illustrations and relatable situations, that being true to oneself is not only empowering but also allows for personal growth and happiness. The main genre of this book is an informational text because it teaches children to be themselves. If I were going to read this book to children, I could teach them to step outside their comfort zone as well as explore different traits of their peers as well as themselves. This book was a WOW book for me because I discovered new ways how I can embrace being myself and being able to fully understand what that could be.

A few literary devices the author included in this book were repetition, point of view, and mood. The author included repetition in his book when he used the word “be” repeatedly. He would start off the page by saying “be” followed along by an adjective or noun. For example, some of the adjectives and nouns he used in his book were “be kind; be adventurous”. This book is from the point of view of second-person point of view because the word “you” is typically used when it is from the second-person perspective. Lastly, I would consider the mood of this book to be cheerful because the author seems to be optimistic. The author portrayed anti-bias perspectives in this book by including different skin colors in the characters. This was shown throughout the book but one example that stood out to me was when the author said, “Be connected” and the illustration showed two different color skin tone characters riding a bicycle together.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great picture book that will remind readers to stay true to themselves. This would make for a great kindergarten or HS graduation gift.