I Can Be

by Felicia Lee and illustrated by Bryan Tagalogon

Here's a fun book aimed for ages 4-9. With a simple concept I can be on each page the reader explores all sorts of possibilities to answer the timeless question;What do you want to be when you grow up?  The phrase I Can Be is stated multiple times so kids will gain more confidence as they read each sentence.  

I was fortunate to catch up with the author via email for input on this review. 
The author intentionally displays an array of careers, not just ones that require a college degree. Lee wants children to be proud of whatever profession they choose to be in while respecting the careers of others.  The book promotes discussion between teacher and students or parent/grandparent and the child. The author insets a message page that remind kids that they can be whatever they want to be in life if they do good in school and never give up on their dreams.

The illustrations are stellar, colorful and eye catching. Lee was very fortunate to have full creative control over each illustration which is not always the case when authors are developing a book. Tagalogon brought Lee's detailed notes to life. One of the things that drew me to this book are the pictures of different types of children so any kid reading the book can see a character who looks like them. Many shades of skin color add to the diversity of the illustrations.  

Another detail I liked was the book explored occupations you don't always see in books 

take for instance this page,  

I even noted hair styles were diverse. 

There are several things on this page that caught my attention- the boy is in a wheelchair and he wants to write comic books which most kids love to read and not write a traditional story book. I love the happy expressions each of the characters depicted throughout the book display.   

Lee's main goal for writing "I Can Be" is to remind children that they can be whatever they want to be regardless of skin tone or gender. She wanted a book that would be diverse and inclusive. In addition to that, she wanted to give the reader guidance on how to do it and that guidance  is illustrated on the last two pages.  

Lee has a second children's book to be released next summer. It is her hope children will readily connect with the stories she creates. It is important for children to be exposed to positive and diverse images which helps them become more accepting of others that may not look like them.

Connect with Lee at www.facebook.com/readthenlead you can also follow her on Instagram @flee920
This upcoming week "I Can Be" will be had delivered to my daughter's kindergarten class. I will post a photo on Ever Ready.