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You Matter
They All Saw a Cat meets The Important Book in this sensitive and impactful picture book about seeing the world from different points of view by Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honoree Christian Robinson.
In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored—from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding. Young readers will be drawn into the luminous illustrations inviting them to engage with the world in a new way and see how everyone is connected, and that everyone matters.
In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored—from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding. Young readers will be drawn into the luminous illustrations inviting them to engage with the world in a new way and see how everyone is connected, and that everyone matters.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2020
21 people are currently reading
1868 people want to read
About the author
Christian Robinson
50 books306 followersChristian Robinson is an American illustrator of children's books and an animator. He is based in Sacramento, California and has worked with The Sesame Street Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios. He graduated from the California Institute of the Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 584 reviews
February 9, 2020
This is a book that parents and grandparents will buy because it has a great message for kids, but, alas, it is not one that kids are going to be drawn to on their own. The illustrations are, of course, lovely, but the text gets just a little too message-y.
June 2, 2020
I am always searching for picture books for my school library and to read aloud for #classroombookday that will show students that they matter. The kinds of books that affirm their existence, validate their beings, and support their lived experiences. Books that remind kids that we believe in them and support them, and that even though they are little, the space they take up is theirs to make a difference with. And to know who they are, what they believe, how they want to be - it all matters.
Christian Robinson is a well-known Caldecott Awarded & Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honored Black illustrator in the children's literature world. And now, with this second book that he illustrated AND wrote (the first was ANOTHER), he has created a gem of a book that is what we all need right now. A book that reminds kids that they matter whether they are big or small, first or last, follow the crowd, fall down, are old or young. It's a book without much text – a quiet book that will help kids see that they matter no matter how others see them or they see themselves. The illustrations bring joy, empathy, and love to the pages. And right now, that is the message I hope all kids will get to see and hear.
I celebrate that Christian Robinson shares his gift freely with us all so it can positively impact children. And I celebrate that this book, YOU MATTER, exists for us to share with kids.
Christian Robinson is a well-known Caldecott Awarded & Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honored Black illustrator in the children's literature world. And now, with this second book that he illustrated AND wrote (the first was ANOTHER), he has created a gem of a book that is what we all need right now. A book that reminds kids that they matter whether they are big or small, first or last, follow the crowd, fall down, are old or young. It's a book without much text – a quiet book that will help kids see that they matter no matter how others see them or they see themselves. The illustrations bring joy, empathy, and love to the pages. And right now, that is the message I hope all kids will get to see and hear.
I celebrate that Christian Robinson shares his gift freely with us all so it can positively impact children. And I celebrate that this book, YOU MATTER, exists for us to share with kids.
November 24, 2020
When was it decided that most modern picture books will now be inspirational tracts written by Stuart Smalley? Whatever happened to embedding such sentiments in a humorous story about interesting characters?
I did get a chuckle out of the unexpected
I did get a chuckle out of the unexpected
August 24, 2021
I met Christian Robinson in 2016 when he toured the U.S. with Matt de la Peña for Last Stop on Market Street, their picture book that had recently won the Newbery Medal. As he autographed my copy of the book, I asked Christian Robinson if he had considered writing as well as illustrating. From a young age, artwork was the way he best connected with story, he told me; writing a book was a definite goal, but he felt he needed to refine his style before becoming a published author. Four years later that goal met reality in You Matter, a graceful ode to those feeling lost and unmoored, unsure if their lives are important to anyone besides themselves. If that question has ever crossed your mind, this book attempts to allay your fears.
"Sometimes home is far away.
Sometimes someone you love says good-bye.
Sometimes you feel lost and alone.
But you matter."
—from You Matter
If you feel too young, small, or insignificant for anyone but your family to notice, you still matter. Maybe you follow trends, or go against the grain and do your own thing, but either way you are important. Whether you're privileged or poor, annoying as a mosquito or the alpha of your herd, you have a profound effect in the world. Whether you're impacted by others or do the impacting yourself, you make a difference. Catastrophe may come like a comet from the sky, leading to painful losses or isolation, but your value does not diminish even if you feel it has. In nature or the city, as a child or an elderly person, your life is important, and this book asks you to remember that.
You Matter may have been Christian Robinson's finest illustration work to that point in his career. The blue ocean waves teeming with microorganisms, and the strong, thickset tree bursting with greenery in the park, are immensely appealing to the eye. Some aspects of the narrative are hard to keep up with, but the message is nice, and I'm glad Christian Robinson found his storytelling voice through words as well as art. My favorite book he was involved in is Last Stop on Market Street, but his illustrations for You Matter may be even more engaging. I hope this book finds its way into the hands of children who will love it as it deserves.
"Sometimes home is far away.
Sometimes someone you love says good-bye.
Sometimes you feel lost and alone.
But you matter."
—from You Matter
If you feel too young, small, or insignificant for anyone but your family to notice, you still matter. Maybe you follow trends, or go against the grain and do your own thing, but either way you are important. Whether you're privileged or poor, annoying as a mosquito or the alpha of your herd, you have a profound effect in the world. Whether you're impacted by others or do the impacting yourself, you make a difference. Catastrophe may come like a comet from the sky, leading to painful losses or isolation, but your value does not diminish even if you feel it has. In nature or the city, as a child or an elderly person, your life is important, and this book asks you to remember that.
You Matter may have been Christian Robinson's finest illustration work to that point in his career. The blue ocean waves teeming with microorganisms, and the strong, thickset tree bursting with greenery in the park, are immensely appealing to the eye. Some aspects of the narrative are hard to keep up with, but the message is nice, and I'm glad Christian Robinson found his storytelling voice through words as well as art. My favorite book he was involved in is Last Stop on Market Street, but his illustrations for You Matter may be even more engaging. I hope this book finds its way into the hands of children who will love it as it deserves.
April 4, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
You Matter is a gem of a book. Each page affirms and reaffirms that all beings, of every type and stripe matters. That is, to be of equal importance as all other beings; to signify, be worthy of consideration, is lovable and respectable. We belong together, accepted wholeheartedly by each other.
I love this little gem. Our group did, too.
You Matter is a gem of a book. Each page affirms and reaffirms that all beings, of every type and stripe matters. That is, to be of equal importance as all other beings; to signify, be worthy of consideration, is lovable and respectable. We belong together, accepted wholeheartedly by each other.
I love this little gem. Our group did, too.
September 18, 2020
Christian Robinson can do no wrong in my book. He writes and illustrates stunning stories that are affirming and validating, smackdab in the center of kid experiences, with no sentimentality. Essential for classroom, community building, and kid joy.
July 6, 2020
"For anyone who isn't sure if they matter.
You do."
You Matter is Christian Robinson's anthem to the world. Small? You matter. Large? You matter. Old? You matter. Young? You matter. Pesky? You matter. Even gassy? You matter.
All of us don't always hear this. Christian Robinson reminds us of this truth.
Here he is, when I met him at the Texas Library Association Conference:
He's just as nice in person as he is on the page.
And here he is, reading the book to you. This is a lovely way to see and hear the story. Then you will want to get a copy for yourself, so that you can read it on your own.
January 4, 2021
A splendacious book! The message is that we all matter - no matter who we are. Amazing multicultural illustrations only enhance the simple text with the strong message that everything/one from microbes only seen in a microscope to the elderly man in the park all matter.
"Old and young.
The first to go and the last.
The stuff too small to see.
You matter."
November 26, 2020
I meant to review this one because it was on my To Read list, but now I cannot remember a thing about it even though I read it just four days ago. Even reading Rod's review didn't really jog my memory. That is not a good sign, but I probably didn't hate it either.
June 5, 2020
Master picture book author and illustrator Robinson returns with a book just right for our pandemic situation. The book moves in a complete circle, beginning and ending with the same phrases. It starts with the importance of things that are too small to see with the naked eye. The book expresses that you matter whether you are first or last, go with the flow or go your own way. You matter if you fall down, if others are too busy to help, or even if you have to start all over again. You matter if you are far from home and feel alone. Whatever your age, you matter.
This picture book demands that readers see themselves as vital and important in their world regardless of status, situation or mood. It insists from a deep and powerful place that everyone matters, with no caveats at all. Robinson’s warmth exudes from the page even with such simple language and brief lines. That works to make this book accessible to even the youngest of children.
The art is great, adding humor to the book as one part focuses on mosquitoes and dinosaurs, comets and restarting the entire world. It also embraces diversity, showing people of different races, faiths and abilities.
An anthem for all of us to hold in our hearts. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
This picture book demands that readers see themselves as vital and important in their world regardless of status, situation or mood. It insists from a deep and powerful place that everyone matters, with no caveats at all. Robinson’s warmth exudes from the page even with such simple language and brief lines. That works to make this book accessible to even the youngest of children.
The art is great, adding humor to the book as one part focuses on mosquitoes and dinosaurs, comets and restarting the entire world. It also embraces diversity, showing people of different races, faiths and abilities.
An anthem for all of us to hold in our hearts. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
July 9, 2021
5/22/2021 ~ So many interesting details in this affirmation - YOU, the reader, matter. I'd love to see the text printed on a single page see see how the structure really works. The type of book that will work for all ages.
Why I wanted to read this book:
https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2...
Why I wanted to read this book:
https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2...
July 9, 2021
The art is bright and attractive, except that here we go again with the uniform people-all round heads and little dots for eyes. Actually, even the animals all look alike--the cats are a good example of that.
And I reached my tipping point for these trite, feel good message books months if not years ago. They are not aimed at kids but at their grownups. Can't we just have some STORIES again?
And I reached my tipping point for these trite, feel good message books months if not years ago. They are not aimed at kids but at their grownups. Can't we just have some STORIES again?
June 7, 2020
We watched Christian Robinson read this on PBS Kids, and he shared that he created this book because he wants every kid to know they matter, and he did. With scarce yet lyrical text and his signature illustrations, Christian Robinson shows that no matter what, you matter.
June 5, 2020
Love this book! I look forward to sharing this book by Christian Robinson.
July 6, 2020
Delightfully simple and empathetic in its heartfelt affirmations.
August 13, 2020
This provides an important message - the artwork was a little underwhelming, but it was still cute. This is definitely on the simpler side, though.
January 18, 2021
3.5 stars, it's Christian Robinson; the illustrations are beautiful. What makes this one unique is the inspirational message is for all creatures; human, furry or otherwise. #youmatter
October 22, 2024
This is a great book that demonstrates the value of every single person and what they bring into the classroom. An asset based approach is key in early childhood and I believe this book is an age appropriate way to teach this concept to your students and allow them to realize how amazing they each are. You could turn this into an art project with a prompt of what makes you special, amazing, a star, etc.
September 3, 2021
The most beautiful picture book I’ve read in a long time. For readers of all ages.
September 9, 2022
My daughter won’t get this yet but this almost had me in tears reading it to her. 🥲
January 3, 2025
"You matter" paired with an asteroid about to hit the dinosaur that matters is a real choice!
February 2, 2021
Christian Robinson's illustrations are really so special. He did a series of videos during the pandemic called Making Space and they are so incredibly good!!! I want to watch him make art all day!
This book is a beautiful and thoughtful picture book to help kids realize that they matter—to you, to the world—no matter how big or small, fast or slow they are. It's sweet but also a little silly! I laughed when I got to the page about the sun being a little gassy, but that's truly my favorite kind of joke for kids because it's about toots but also science!! Right now I have it on my schedule to read for PJ story time in April, but that's so far away! I might have to bump it up.
This book is a beautiful and thoughtful picture book to help kids realize that they matter—to you, to the world—no matter how big or small, fast or slow they are. It's sweet but also a little silly! I laughed when I got to the page about the sun being a little gassy, but that's truly my favorite kind of joke for kids because it's about toots but also science!! Right now I have it on my schedule to read for PJ story time in April, but that's so far away! I might have to bump it up.
August 12, 2020
Another possible choice for the first week or so of school. I love the message of “you matter” - even for middle school students.
August 6, 2020
Sparse text, perfect illustrations. A great one for any home library
August 1, 2020
I love Christian Robinson's books (and his videos). This is a beautiful book in theme, art and execution. The dedication page says "For anyone who isn't sure if they matter. You do."It is a serious topic but it is treated lightly and even with a bit of humor. The line "when everyone thinks you're a pest" is illustrated with a large picture of a mosquito! "If you fall down" is illustrated with a comet. By the end of the book the illustrations focus on children.It would make a beautiful gift book for a young child.
May 29, 2020
Word of encouragement hit at just the right time in this celebration of self-worth.
The title already says it all—you matter. Hitting examples out of life, which illustrate how small or slow or first or old things can be in everyday life, the message then rings clear that none of that is important because you matter. The scenes are mostly taken from nature and outdoor activities and range from dinosaurs to space travel to a quite day in the park.
There's no way to ignore the message when reading through these pages, and it's one that young listeners can never hear enough. Of course, just a message would be boring, and the author makes sure this book is anything but. He builds in a variety of scenes, making sure that almost every listener will see something that sparks their interest or that they can relate to. While some pages show science, others hit more day to day events. It's a lovely mixture, especially since there's also a bit of humor thrown in now and then.
The phrases on each page are kept very short and come directly to the point. The illustrations then expand on these words, allowing the visual scenes to carry just as much of the book as the text. The vocabulary is simple, making it a nice read for even the younger end of the read-aloud audience. And some depictions are sure to grab a few passing comments from young listeners, too.
This is a lovely read-aloud which spreads an uplifting message, while not forgetting that young listeners enjoy the illustrations just as much if not more than the text. In other words, it gets a big thumbs up.
I received an ARC and found it to be a great read-aloud.
The title already says it all—you matter. Hitting examples out of life, which illustrate how small or slow or first or old things can be in everyday life, the message then rings clear that none of that is important because you matter. The scenes are mostly taken from nature and outdoor activities and range from dinosaurs to space travel to a quite day in the park.
There's no way to ignore the message when reading through these pages, and it's one that young listeners can never hear enough. Of course, just a message would be boring, and the author makes sure this book is anything but. He builds in a variety of scenes, making sure that almost every listener will see something that sparks their interest or that they can relate to. While some pages show science, others hit more day to day events. It's a lovely mixture, especially since there's also a bit of humor thrown in now and then.
The phrases on each page are kept very short and come directly to the point. The illustrations then expand on these words, allowing the visual scenes to carry just as much of the book as the text. The vocabulary is simple, making it a nice read for even the younger end of the read-aloud audience. And some depictions are sure to grab a few passing comments from young listeners, too.
This is a lovely read-aloud which spreads an uplifting message, while not forgetting that young listeners enjoy the illustrations just as much if not more than the text. In other words, it gets a big thumbs up.
I received an ARC and found it to be a great read-aloud.
July 22, 2020
This is a picture book with a message that will appeal to adults as it addresses the question of who matters - such a hot topic right now. I think some kids might get the message but it's a bit abstract and deep for young ones. The illustrations are great.
July 1, 2020
This is lovely. I always love Robinson's illustrations, and the text of this book is just as wonderful. I like that he didn't go the typical "you matter" route, instead taking the reader through evolution "from the smallest things too small to see" to a mosquito biting a T-Rex's tail to a meteor hurtling towards earth and eventually to modern kids.
I have to admit my first read was too quick to really pick up on what he's doing, but subsequent reads with my kiddos have allowed me to really appreciate the way he tells this story while affirming that no matter what, even when everyone thinks you're a pest, YOU MATTER.
I have to admit my first read was too quick to really pick up on what he's doing, but subsequent reads with my kiddos have allowed me to really appreciate the way he tells this story while affirming that no matter what, even when everyone thinks you're a pest, YOU MATTER.
June 15, 2020
Lovely case covering. Beautiful end pages. Using acrylic paint and collage, Robinson’s illustrations draw the reader in, and his words share the most important message our young people need to hear right now: YOU MATTER.
This book made my heart happy, and I also enjoyed a giggle on the pages with the dinosaur scenes (and the word “gassy.”) Highly recommend!
This book made my heart happy, and I also enjoyed a giggle on the pages with the dinosaur scenes (and the word “gassy.”) Highly recommend!
June 16, 2020
This is the newest book by Christian Robinson an author/illustrator who has yet to create a book I don't absolutely adore. Whimsical, subtle, and so full of heart, YOU MATTER is a message to all children that they matter. Absolutely one of the best books of 2020 so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 584 reviews