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Powerful You
Kate Jane Neal, the author and illustrator of Words and Your Heart and Wonderful You , takes on the two most powerful words we Yes and No.
We all have the power to say two little words with big meaning . . . YES and NO!
You can say YES to trying new things and making new friends.
And sometimes, saying YES can be tricky and lead you wishing you hadn't said it!
You can also say NO to things that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Saying NO can sometimes take great courage!
Listening to how our bodies and minds feel can help give us the strength to say YES or NO. And that is a brave and powerful thing!
Kate Jane Neal has created another heartfelt picture book for young ones growing up in this changing world―one that shows them they should listen to their guts. This is a necessary message and a timeless book for all children, at home, and in classrooms.
We all have the power to say two little words with big meaning . . . YES and NO!
You can say YES to trying new things and making new friends.
And sometimes, saying YES can be tricky and lead you wishing you hadn't said it!
You can also say NO to things that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Saying NO can sometimes take great courage!
Listening to how our bodies and minds feel can help give us the strength to say YES or NO. And that is a brave and powerful thing!
Kate Jane Neal has created another heartfelt picture book for young ones growing up in this changing world―one that shows them they should listen to their guts. This is a necessary message and a timeless book for all children, at home, and in classrooms.
- GenresPicture Books
40 pages, Hardcover
Published June 13, 2023
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 8, 2023
I talked about something in this book with my therapist lolol
November 13, 2024
"Powerful You" by Kate Jane Neal is an exceptional resource for teaching children the significance of the words "yes" and "no." Often, children are encouraged to conform and say "yes," even when a "no" might better reflect their true interests and preferences. This book effectively addresses the importance of both affirmations and refusals, promoting self-awareness and personal boundaries.
However, it would benefit from discussing situations where saying "yes" is appropriate, even when one might prefer to say "no," such as completing chores or homework. Many self-esteem-focused books, including this one, emphasize individual preferences and uniqueness. While this is valuable, it is also important to consider the higher values of community and autonomy, as opposed to mere independence. Overemphasis on individualism can inadvertently foster narcissism, which is counterproductive.
In summary, "Powerful You" is a well-crafted book that introduces children to the power of "yes" and "no." Incorporating discussions about communal responsibilities and the balance between personal desires and collective needs would enhance its educational value.
However, it would benefit from discussing situations where saying "yes" is appropriate, even when one might prefer to say "no," such as completing chores or homework. Many self-esteem-focused books, including this one, emphasize individual preferences and uniqueness. While this is valuable, it is also important to consider the higher values of community and autonomy, as opposed to mere independence. Overemphasis on individualism can inadvertently foster narcissism, which is counterproductive.
In summary, "Powerful You" is a well-crafted book that introduces children to the power of "yes" and "no." Incorporating discussions about communal responsibilities and the balance between personal desires and collective needs would enhance its educational value.
October 4, 2023
Words are powerful things. This book is designed to show children how two simple words, 'yes' and 'no' can influence the world around them. This is an interesting concept to give a child, creating autonomy for them.
The biggest problem I think is in letting a child think just by saying either word, the world will listen. Perhaps I'm too much of a realist, but we don't always accept when our child says 'no' - like when they refuse bedtime or to eat their dinner. So how then does a book like this make them feel when their 'no' is refused.
So while this book is a really good idea about listening to what you want for yourself, it has some problems with application which I think will come up whether you want them to or not. Maybe it's a good book to use with your child with some discussion.
The biggest problem I think is in letting a child think just by saying either word, the world will listen. Perhaps I'm too much of a realist, but we don't always accept when our child says 'no' - like when they refuse bedtime or to eat their dinner. So how then does a book like this make them feel when their 'no' is refused.
So while this book is a really good idea about listening to what you want for yourself, it has some problems with application which I think will come up whether you want them to or not. Maybe it's a good book to use with your child with some discussion.
June 14, 2023
This picture book talks about something SO important - that each and every child has the power to say two impactful words - YES and NO.
With absolutely gorgeous water color illustrations, Powerful You shows kids all the ways they can use those two words. From saying yes to making new friends, to saying no to things that make them uncomfortable.
When I sat down to write up my review, a few days after reading it with my kiddos, I asked my 5 year old what he thought of or remembered from the book. He said "no has the power to keep you safe!"
With absolutely gorgeous water color illustrations, Powerful You shows kids all the ways they can use those two words. From saying yes to making new friends, to saying no to things that make them uncomfortable.
When I sat down to write up my review, a few days after reading it with my kiddos, I asked my 5 year old what he thought of or remembered from the book. He said "no has the power to keep you safe!"
July 22, 2023
This is a great concept! It would definitely be necessary to ground the themes in context for the audience, though. TALK, social-emotional, print awareness. Prek+
August 16, 2023
Emotions, finding your voice.
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August 18, 2023A powerfully simple book that reminds old and young that there are times to say yes and times to say no and THAT'S OK!
November 24, 2023
Introduction to the power of saying yes/no. May be too simple for some, but a good starting place.
December 31, 2023
12/31/2023 ~ Read this as a stand alone, or in conjunction with a conversation about that feeling inside that pushes us to say yes or no.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews