Dear Girl

October 9, 2017
Rosenthal, who died last March, and her daughter, Paris, offer encouragement to girls through a series of short letters. Some of the advice and imagery is overly familiar (“Dear Girl, Don’t ever lose your sense of wonder,” finds the book’s heroine standing in awe of a rainbow) but the missives are generally empathetic and up-to-the-minute. Readers are urged to branch out (“Find people like you. Find people unlike you”), and there’s a nod to the pressures of growing up with social media: “Dear Girl, You won’t be invited to every single party on the planet. (Which is really ok—can you imagine how exhausting that would be?)” Hatam keeps the mood light in drawings
that combine line-drawn characters with collaged elements and color washes, though the focus on one girl with white skin and black hair relegates children of color to supporting roles. The authors are forthright in their intention to create a keepsake, noting, “Whenever you need an encouraging boost, remember you can turn to any page in this book.” Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Christy Ewers, Christina A. Tugeau Artist Agency.

Starred review from November 1, 2017

K-Gr 3-This title from Rosenthal and her daughter Paris contains a series of short letters of affirmation and encouragement. Each missive reminds readers to be herself, be smart, be adventurous, sometimes cry, and always listen to your instincts. The mother-daughter connection is always loving and personal. "Make your room awesome. Make your room you. And while you're at it, make your bed! Hatam's mixed-media illustrations perfectly balance and illustrate the text. Watercolor, crayon, and collage are just some of the elements she uses, and her application could easily inspire a project partnering English and Art classes, or a library literary club. While this book is formatted and applicable to young readers it might find its most important audience in elementary-age girls. The text is encouraging and important and, if shared by the right adult, could have a powerful, lasting impact. VERDICT This picture book should have a permanent place on every empowering book display your library puts up. A must purchase.-Shana Morales, Windsor Public Library, CT

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
Short, epistolary advice from a loving parent or caregiver.Amy Krouse Rosenthal was no stranger to odes to families (That's Me Loving You, 2016, and I Wish You More, 2015). This picture book is a collaboration with her daughter--a series of tiny reminders to a growing girl. Blurring the line between a familiar letter salutation and an endearing term of love, each piece begins with "Dear Girl." Some are silly: "Dear Girl, / ... // Sometimes you'll need a tissue. / Sometimes you'll need a bucket." In illustration, a distraught gal cries overflowing tears. Some are cliched: "Dear Girl, Coloring OUTSIDE the lines is cool too." ("OUTSIDE" sprawls across the spread in giant block capitals; each letter is colored in, crayon marks exceeding every boundary.) Some are contemplative: "Dear Girl, Write down your thoughts once in a while, even if it is just to enjoy the way your pen feels against the paper." Combined, they all have Amy Krouse Rosenthal's (apparently genetically shared) knack for touching a wisp of wonder. Hatam's round-faced, white protagonist has ink-dotted eyes and moves through the myriad scenarios, hugging and befriending a few darker-skinned pals along the way. The pages may be tinged with sadness now that Amy Krouse Rosenthal has passed, but the message of tender protection is strong and clear.Singularly addressed to "Girl," but an open-arms reminder to all children. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 15, 2017
Preschool-G A mother-daughter team offers a love letter encouraging girls to accept and love themselves. They advise girls to be confident, to speak up, and to be curious and adaptable to anything. An eclectic double-page spread recommends making your room you, with the humorous reminder: And while you're at it, make your bed! Other messages: never lose your sense of wonder, seek out others like you and those unlike you, create traditions, color outside the lines, be brave, try new things. And in a delightful paean to joy: Sometimes you've just gotta stop . . . AND DANCE! The last page celebrates a mother's feelings for her daughter, reminding her that she is loveda section made especially touching by the fact that, for Amy Krouse Rosenthal, this is a posthumous publication. Artwork, in line drawings, photography, and texture, is joyful and whimsical, showing a personable little girl with shiny black hair pursuing her dreams with a wide range of expressive emotions. Sure to be a hit for mothers and daughters of all ages for its warm, supportive message.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Interest in Rosenthal, a superstar in life, has only increased since her heartbreaking death.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2018
Addressing the girl in the illustrations (and girls in general), this frankly purposeful book offers advice on a range of topics: "Don't ever lose your sense of wonder," "Listen to your brave side," etc. The messages encourage independence and self-confidence, with the reassurance that help is available if needed. Sprightly collage art and touches of humor in the text create an upbeat tone.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)