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You Are Here
In the tradition of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and I Wish You More , this debut book reminds us that "all who wander are not lost."
You are here, and from here there are so many places you can go. But how will you know how to get there? In this warm and wise debut, Zach Manbeck gives readers a poetic roadmap to help us find our way in the world, while also reminding us all that right now, we are here —exactly where we are meant to be.
Both sweet and uplifting, this is a perfect book for a new baby, a new graduate, or anyone who could use a reminder that "all who wander are not lost."
BE HERE With playful, approachable language, this book encourages appreciating the moment we're in and being completely present in it.
THE PERFECT GO-TO The accessible text and charming art make this the ideal book for a wide range of occasions. Whether you are shopping for a baby gift, a graduation gift, or a gift that will inspire readers of any age to approach life as an adventure, this book is for you.
LUSH, COMFORTING Lush backgrounds, a sweet and diverse cast of characters, and just the slightest hint of nostalgia, make this book as comforting as a warm hug.
Perfect
• Fans of I WISH YOU MORE and THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU WILL BE
• Baby gift buyers
• Graduation gift buyers
• Anyone looking for a gift to give someone going through a transition or a period of self-doubt
• Grandparents
• Parents
• Educators and librarians looking for creative ways to talk about periods of transition
You are here, and from here there are so many places you can go. But how will you know how to get there? In this warm and wise debut, Zach Manbeck gives readers a poetic roadmap to help us find our way in the world, while also reminding us all that right now, we are here —exactly where we are meant to be.
Both sweet and uplifting, this is a perfect book for a new baby, a new graduate, or anyone who could use a reminder that "all who wander are not lost."
BE HERE With playful, approachable language, this book encourages appreciating the moment we're in and being completely present in it.
THE PERFECT GO-TO The accessible text and charming art make this the ideal book for a wide range of occasions. Whether you are shopping for a baby gift, a graduation gift, or a gift that will inspire readers of any age to approach life as an adventure, this book is for you.
LUSH, COMFORTING Lush backgrounds, a sweet and diverse cast of characters, and just the slightest hint of nostalgia, make this book as comforting as a warm hug.
Perfect
• Fans of I WISH YOU MORE and THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU WILL BE
• Baby gift buyers
• Graduation gift buyers
• Anyone looking for a gift to give someone going through a transition or a period of self-doubt
• Grandparents
• Parents
• Educators and librarians looking for creative ways to talk about periods of transition
36 pages, Hardcover
Published May 10, 2022
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 13, 2022
This is a nice reminder that we go at different paces in life and that is okay, you are right where you need to be. The illustrations in this book have great diversity. There are a few different races, a child who uses a wheelchair, and a child who wears a hijab.
August 25, 2022
An excellent alternative to Oh The Places You'll Go for kids and recent grads alike. Lovely gouache illustrations lend to a dreamy, magical feel. I look forward to more books from this author.
March 21, 2022
This is a lovely and lyrical read aloud for young children. I adore the underlying message -- of appreciating the here and now and how each moment is an opportunity to experience so much. The text is accessible and invokes the imagination. The illustrations feel like a modern take on Gyo Fujikawa -- they are full of whimsy and children participating in dreamy landscapes. It's cute but not overdone and overall is a nice combination of text + illustration. It's a nice book to read again and again!
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Chronicle Books. Opinions are my own.
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Chronicle Books. Opinions are my own.
September 5, 2022
Everyone is on a different journey, some are going faster or slower than you. But begin, explore, take your time, fall down but keep going. Be patient and find your way.
Busy illustrations will keep the intended audience on the page longer than needed for the short text. I really think this is meant for adults to give as a gift to children and teens who are reaching milestones (Oh the places you'll go?). I just don't think picture book readers will care for this.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Busy illustrations will keep the intended audience on the page longer than needed for the short text. I really think this is meant for adults to give as a gift to children and teens who are reaching milestones (Oh the places you'll go?). I just don't think picture book readers will care for this.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
May 23, 2022
Beautiful art, but an unfortunate narrative. I fear this will be the next 'Oh, the Places You'll Go' sort of graduation gift for grown children that older adults think is a cute gesture. Add in a dash of trite mindfulness that, again, is only significant/meaningful for teens and adults. I think the intended audience will appreciate the art, which is lovely, but I couldn't stand the package as a whole.
July 13, 2022
Cute - reassuring, encouraging. I like the big action words like, begin, explore, fall down. The kids in the illustrations seem relatable and has diversity represented, including a child in a wheelchair and a girl with a hijab. I think this is perfect before sending off to preschool.
October 18, 2024
Vraiment très bel album, ça m'a donné envie de magasiner des oeuvres de l'illustrateur (qui est ausis l'auteur je crois) pour les mettre sur les murs de mes petits. Le message est très beau aussi, un genre de Oh the places you'll go des temps modernes. Ça m'a émue.
March 28, 2022
Such a cute book. It would be perfect for teaching children about a growth mindset. It’s poetic and lovely. It’s like a cup of warm soup or tea.
May 10, 2022
Stunning and a perfect graduation gift.
May 21, 2022
I really like the concept here. The execution is good and the illustrations engaging, although the chaotic nature and color palette made them a little tricky for me to distinguish at times.
May 23, 2022
Not sure how it'd resonate with young children, but certainly could be added to the ranks of books of graduation/ accomplishment books for older readers.
June 1, 2022
The next ubiquitous graduation gift, in the tradition of Oh, The Places You'll Go. Lovely little book.
June 4, 2022
Inspirational book that helps you find your way and also know that you are where you are meant to be.
June 5, 2022
Sweet illustrations and wonderful message but one of those books intended more for adults than kids.
Read
June 22, 2022chaotic.
July 23, 2022
Awesome citrus pallette with simple, encouraging text. I love that the pages are square, too.
January 14, 2023
Similar to Oh The Places You'll Go, but a million times shorter. Very sweet.
March 6, 2023
A simple celebration of life with vibrant colors and diverse characters- a beautiful book to get your little ones to think about what kind of adventure they are beginning.
Read
May 25, 2023A children’s book that was definitely not written for children. Pretty saccharine. The publisher’s goal was clearly to hit the “graduation gift” market.
February 1, 2024
Excellent book
February 6, 2024
Such a sweet book with lovely illustrations.
August 2, 2024
Short and sweet with a nice message and beautiful pictures.
-Mama
-Mama
August 9, 2024
Very colorful and sweet! Definitely adding to my future registry 🐣
September 4, 2025
this made me emo
June 10, 2022
Tuesday morning an article said the first of twenty-one funerals began on that date, May 31, 2022. There will be twenty-one celebrations of life and mourning, and the worlds of those families and friends are changed forever. On May 24, 2022 the shock of another school shooting reverberated through a community, a state, a nation, and around the world. For parents, caregivers, and educators the weight of this latest horrific tragedy is very heavy. The more we know about the events of that day, the more heartbreaking it becomes. We seek to make sense, when it does not make sense. We seek security, solace, and serenity.
My friend and colleague, John Schu, recently released a book titled The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life (Stenhouse Publishers, May 3, 2022). In chapter two we learn about Story as Healer. At the close of this chapter, John suggests books in support of the chapter's premises. After a brief description of each title, John offers commentary about his choices. I have gone back to this section and read two sentences in particular over and over this past week. John says:
This story is about grief, how it can weigh us down, but how, over time, our friends can help share the burden and in the process make it smaller.
It's not dread and worry that sustain us, but rather the love we share and the memories we create that will last.
Keeping these two sentences in my mind and heart, I selected six new titles from my bins of new releases.
The thing about life is regardless of our past, present, or possible future, things happen beyond our control. There are things wonderful beyond our imagining and things which plunge us into deep sadness. We find ourselves stunned by both.
What we can do in those times of tragedy is look for a sliver of silver lining. It may not be there for a long time. If we cannot find it, perhaps we need to change or be a part of a larger change. If children are a part of our lives, as parents, caregivers, or educators, we need to help them to understand their futures are full of potential and promise. Like the weather, the clouds pass to reveal the sunshine or moonlight and stars. You Are Here (Chronicle Books, May 10, 2022) written and illustrated by Zach Manbeck is a joyful reminder to be ourselves, going forward with hope. It is his debut book.
My friend and colleague, John Schu, recently released a book titled The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life (Stenhouse Publishers, May 3, 2022). In chapter two we learn about Story as Healer. At the close of this chapter, John suggests books in support of the chapter's premises. After a brief description of each title, John offers commentary about his choices. I have gone back to this section and read two sentences in particular over and over this past week. John says:
This story is about grief, how it can weigh us down, but how, over time, our friends can help share the burden and in the process make it smaller.
It's not dread and worry that sustain us, but rather the love we share and the memories we create that will last.
Keeping these two sentences in my mind and heart, I selected six new titles from my bins of new releases.
The thing about life is regardless of our past, present, or possible future, things happen beyond our control. There are things wonderful beyond our imagining and things which plunge us into deep sadness. We find ourselves stunned by both.
What we can do in those times of tragedy is look for a sliver of silver lining. It may not be there for a long time. If we cannot find it, perhaps we need to change or be a part of a larger change. If children are a part of our lives, as parents, caregivers, or educators, we need to help them to understand their futures are full of potential and promise. Like the weather, the clouds pass to reveal the sunshine or moonlight and stars. You Are Here (Chronicle Books, May 10, 2022) written and illustrated by Zach Manbeck is a joyful reminder to be ourselves, going forward with hope. It is his debut book.
August 9, 2024
A nice poem about the journey of life and the different paths that can be taken. The illustrations are beautiful. It would make a nice graduation gift.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews