You Will Do Great Things

by Amerie, Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator)

From Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and book club founder Amerie, You Will Do Great Things is a lyrical, magical picture book about the great possibilities that lie ahead for our little ones, featuring illustrations by Raissa Figueroa.

A young boy's imagination takes off as he gazes at family photos, whisking him off on a fantastical journey. Along the way, the boy tries exciting and bold new things, ventures into unexplored worlds, and forms deep connections with his multicultural heritage and the ancestors who imbue him with the strength and courage to make a difference.

Amerie has written a moving, sweeping, and deeply loving story that is inspired by her own family. It is a celebration of everything our little ones have yet to do: the great, the amazing, the strange, and the new. It's also a lasting reminder that the loved ones in our lives will always be right there beside us—and in our hearts—cheering us on.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Inspirational, Audiobook

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

Amerie is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, producer, and writer. The daughter of a Korean artist and an African-American military officer, Amerie was born in Massachusetts and raised all over the world, and she graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s in English. She is the editor of New York Times bestseller Because You Love to Hate Me, and is the founder of Amerie’s Book Club, a book club that highlights diverse and unique perspectives and voices. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son.

Watch Amerie's Book Club videos here.

Reviews

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 'Oh, the Places You'll Go' replacement you've been waiting for. 😍

[Gladimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing!!

[Kirsten | KirstenLeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio of this book and it was beautifully done! The writing of the story was very moving I loved the message. The audio production and the author narrating was amazing and made the story feel almost magical. After I listened the first time I played it for my 5 and 7 year old and they keep begging to listen over and over again. Definitely recommend for all of the kiddos out there.

I received an ARC copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are all my own.

[Essie (Sarah) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is both inspirational and whimsical. It’s like a magical pep talk. I love it.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Will Do Great Things is the first book by Grammy Award-winning Amerie. She has a lifelong love of books, so when her son was born, she was inspired to write this magical picture book about a young boy's imagination as he looks through family photos. He lets them take him on magical journeys, venturing to unexplored worlds where he tries new and exciting things. As he creates bonds with his diverse heritage and the ancestors who came before him, they all encourage him to do great things.

This author believes that everyone is born with what they need to get through this life. We can learn new things, but we have the essential things we need. Even as adults, when we ask advice from friends and family, we're often just looking for permission to do what we already know we need to do. She wrote this book to let her son (and other children) know that guidance is excellent, but if you ever feel lost or alone, fundamentally, they have what they need. You Will Do Great Things is a celebration of everything our little ones will accomplish: the great, the amazing, the strange, and the new. It's also a lasting reminder that our loved ones will always be beside us―and in our hearts―cheering us on.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Tori Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those wishy washy feel good "follow your heart" books that are simply over the top cheesy. I'm sorry, but I simply don't find cliches like "You're good inside," "Follow the voice inside," to be inspiring at all. They also directly contradict the truth- our hearts often deceive us, this is why we need to follow and listen to the unchanging, truthful foundation of God's Word! Illustrations were digital (with "handmade watercolor textures"). I did appreciate the vibrant colors and how the illustrator added the thin semblance of a storyline into this book by having a main character on a journey where he's chasing a bird that turns into a magical type of phoenix. Still... In the end, I personally find books like this to simply be vapid. Tell me a story. Tell me a deep and thoughtful poem. But don't just tell me feel-good cliches set to a basic rhyme scheme.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Will Do Great Things
by Amerie
The audible version is bright with laughter and rocket ships, allowing the children to connect to their possibilities. The story shows endless encouragement. I would believe the pictures are just as inspiring.
This would be a great bed time story for parents to play to remind their children of their ability and importance.

[Elena L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book encourages celebration of everything our little ones have yet to do and will. It is pure joy to read with the loved ones in our lives. In vibrant art and based by the author's own family, this book is deeply loving and inspiring.

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own ]

[MissSusie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books to have the audiobook and the paper book and enjoy the wonderful narration and music along with the illustrations.

Narration by the author is great!!

4 stars

I received this book from the publisher Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

[Kris Reguera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should listen to this every morning for empowerment, reassurance, mediation or self determination. Excellent poem I can’t wait to see as a picture book (I listened to the audiobook on NetGalley and it was powerful!)

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and empowering. A lovely gift for young families. Readers see how much this parent believes in their child. She references his past to build on for his future. We see all the support and dreams for their child. Lovely illustrations offers a look at the joy to come.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, this lyrical picture book celebrates everything our younger generations will do. I’ll be adding it to my “end of the year” #classroombookaday reads with my 5th graders.
Loved it!

[Genesee Rickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, this one is going in the favorites pile! Absolutely gorgeous and imaginative illustrations paired with a rhyming inspirational story? Hell yes! Great gift for those who tend young humans as well as a graduation gift. Really a must have.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for this luminous title celebrating all the possibilities parents dream for their children

I read a digital advance reader's copy courtesy of the publisher

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations!

[Leah Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book encourages the young child to never give up, explore the world, expect great things.

[Danielle LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreamy illustrations accompany rhyming encouragements. Very loving depictions of supportive family! Made this sentimental parent a little teary.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story to read to your child (I cried!).

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good graduation or baby gift book

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning, sweeping, joyful. I loved reading this book with all my heart and soul.

[Melenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay audiobook

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audiobook made this book sound very sad

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fantastical illustrations; it wasn't your normal "you'll do great things" book.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, vivid illustrations and an inspirational story.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and full of love.

It has kind of the same spirit as "Oh the Places You'll Go", but despite the fantastical illustration is more grounded.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/23/2023 ~ Stunning affirmations; multicultural family.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful and inspirational story! And the illustrations are top-tier!

[Rae the Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

These illustrations were breathtaking! I felt like I was watching a Pixar short while reading this one.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations here are amazing. Short sentences on each page don't distract from the art.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational.
Great for kids and adults.