Review of I Can Do Anything!
Posted: 21 Sep 2023, 05:07
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I Can Do Anything!" by Michelle F. Dallago.]
It would be difficult to argue with an author whose stated purpose for publishing her book is to "nurture a healthy and optimistic personality in young children." Michelle F. Dallago accomplishes that goal with her charming book, I Can Do Anything.
The physical aspects of the book are also excellent. The front cover of the book has a gigantic guitar that wraps around the back cover. A diverse group of energetic, smiling children are playing on the instrument. Some of them are even using the guitar's bridge as a slide. The muted colors continue onto the back cover, which features three endorsements from childhood educators. Inside the book, Dallago provides a helpful note to individuals on how to interact with children.
The characters from the cover are illustrated throughout the book accomplishing various milestones such as: riding a bike, climbing a tree, and learning to read. Often the child in the picture is featured with a disability, but the illustrator has not made the condition overtly obvious. All the preschool children seem natural and equal. Phrases such as: "I make mistakes, I sometimes fall" and "I'm not weak, I'm just a little small" reinforce the author's message and will help children gain self-confidence when they struggle.
I did encounter one puzzling feature. On the cover of the book, there is a girl wearing an oversized trench coat and a brown fedora. Several pages later, a boy is seen in the outfit, and on the facing page, a small girl is shown hanging up the coat. Towards the end of the book, a different boy is wearing the outfit. Additionally, there is one character, an overweight boy, who appears twice in a similar costume. I assume the outfits are symbolically saying, "One day, I'll be tall" and grow into these big clothes, but the message was confusing to me.
Preschool children will enjoy having the book read to them. Singing along with the provided melody as they follow the words on the pages will enhance their sight-reading skills. I found no errors, and despite the one negative, I am rating this five out of five stars because of the positive, encouraging message this book promotes.
******
I Can Do Anything!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
It would be difficult to argue with an author whose stated purpose for publishing her book is to "nurture a healthy and optimistic personality in young children." Michelle F. Dallago accomplishes that goal with her charming book, I Can Do Anything.
The physical aspects of the book are also excellent. The front cover of the book has a gigantic guitar that wraps around the back cover. A diverse group of energetic, smiling children are playing on the instrument. Some of them are even using the guitar's bridge as a slide. The muted colors continue onto the back cover, which features three endorsements from childhood educators. Inside the book, Dallago provides a helpful note to individuals on how to interact with children.
The characters from the cover are illustrated throughout the book accomplishing various milestones such as: riding a bike, climbing a tree, and learning to read. Often the child in the picture is featured with a disability, but the illustrator has not made the condition overtly obvious. All the preschool children seem natural and equal. Phrases such as: "I make mistakes, I sometimes fall" and "I'm not weak, I'm just a little small" reinforce the author's message and will help children gain self-confidence when they struggle.
I did encounter one puzzling feature. On the cover of the book, there is a girl wearing an oversized trench coat and a brown fedora. Several pages later, a boy is seen in the outfit, and on the facing page, a small girl is shown hanging up the coat. Towards the end of the book, a different boy is wearing the outfit. Additionally, there is one character, an overweight boy, who appears twice in a similar costume. I assume the outfits are symbolically saying, "One day, I'll be tall" and grow into these big clothes, but the message was confusing to me.
Preschool children will enjoy having the book read to them. Singing along with the provided melody as they follow the words on the pages will enhance their sight-reading skills. I found no errors, and despite the one negative, I am rating this five out of five stars because of the positive, encouraging message this book promotes.
******
I Can Do Anything!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon