In My Room: A Book of Creativity and Imagination

by Jo Witek, Christine Roussey (Illustrations)

In her room, one little girl can be anything she wants to be and go anywhere she wishes to go, all with the power of her imagination (and paper, markers, and crayons, of course!). She can go on safari or sail the seven seas. She can be a doctor, teacher, or high-powered businesswoman. The sky’s the limit! And when the day is over, she can become a little girl again, safe in her room.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Storytime, Art

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 3, 2017

About the author

Chez Flammarion, l’autrice Jo Witek a signé la série Mentine et l'album La Course aux escargots. Elle poursuit avec la collection Areuh son exploration de l’écriture pour les plus jeunes, après Allez, au nid et le succès international de Dans mon petit cœur (éd. La Martinière Jeunesse).

Reviews

[Alberto García · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sin llegar a tener el nivel de "Así es mi corazón", es un libro simpático y agradable de leer, con unas ilustraciones que son ya una marca de la serie y una protagonista que todos los que tenemos hijas pueden identificar. Recomendable.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn. On the one hand, I love that it's promoting imagination and creativity. The way the book is set up is neat and interesting. I enjoyed parts where they switched who the bride and groom are and the wording "as smart as a teacher, too!" I think those are simple yet important things to have out there. It has a good lesson.

Yet.

I didn't love it and I'm not sure why. I'd still recommend though.

[Suzi Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book... creative, sparked conversation with my kids

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome little book to inspire creativity and imagination in kids. Flips around to read a different way and go against the grain.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book design. It opens from the side, and each page is just a little larger than the previous page. They are die cut to gradually, page by page, form a pyramid.

[Christine Turner]

ATA Storytime Kit --ITEM FOR REVIEW

Growing Hearts series celebrates imagination as a means to try on different identities and work through difficult emotions, all while having fun.

In her room, one little girl can be anything she wants to be and go anywhere she wishes to go, all with the power of her imagination (and paper, markers, and crayons, of course!). She can go on safari or sail the seven seas. She can be a doctor, teacher, or high-powered businesswoman. The sky's the limit! And when the day is over, she can become a little girl again, safe in her room. The


Notes
Jo Witek and Christine Roussey are the author/illustrator team of Hello in There, In My Heart, Brave As Can Be, and All My Treasures. Jo Witek is an author, journalist, and screenwriter. She has published several books in France, where she lives. Christine Roussey is an illustrator and works in advertising, as well as with newspapers, magazines, and publishers. She has published several children's books in Europe. She lives in Paris.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the first page the reader should turn the book 90 degrees to read it. Another feature is the die-cut pages in the shape of a fat coloring pencil in different colors and textures. In addition the pages are made out of a sturdy cardboard, a little thinner than a board-book.
A small girl proclaims she can be anything with her paper, crayons, chalk and her imagination. She is an explorer, princess, speed racer and more. From page to page there is a new adventure. She can also be at school or in the office. A little diversity comes to light when the girl and her friend switch roles in the wedding; he is the bride and she is the groom although the roles were traditional to begin with. In the office she is placed behind the typewriter but when she helps her kitty who is hurt, she is the veterinarian.
The illustrations have a child like quality and are colorful,mostly, line art.
A cute book promoting creativity, but does not stand out.
Written
Pre-Kindergarten
AD

[FM Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a random library pick but I liked it a lot. And my 3 year old was SO into the fact that you read it vertically. I liked the randomness of it, how her friend Lili kept dipping in and out of the narrative, how none of it was too girly, and how they gender flipped the wedding. Kind of like What If.... if it were a lot less self aware and more silly. Would recommend as a book to spark creativity

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Today I want to be...” 🖍 | This morning’s #readaloud pick: In My Room by Jo Witek & Christine Roussey. Seriously, this “Growing Hearts” series is just so lovely. Each book ‘celebrates the milestones of a toddler’s emotional development’ - this one’s all about the importance of imaginative play 💛 I can’t get over the illustrations and design of these books. Just lovely.

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I liked this more because I'm always intrigued when a new book comes out in this series (which is apparently called Growing Hearts). The art is much more appealing than the text. There are some cute moments though.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The unique design of this book makes it stand out from others in its field. It opens from the right like a standard book, but the pages are triangular and therefore get smaller with each turn. A little girl uses her imagination to be whatever she pleases; good for inspiring imaginative endeavors.

[Kaitlyn Elmerick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade level: Lower/Intermediate Elementary
Creativity is something to be talked about, especially in the Elementary grades! This book shows children how to be creative and use their imaginations through a fun book with unique pages!

[Alicia Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

For: readers looking for a book that is surprising in construction (read it sideways/pages get bigger as you go).

Possible red flags: some readers may not like that they play bride and groom and then switch roles for fun.

[Casandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great story time book, but some kids will really enjoy a dip into someone else's imagination.

[cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved how this picture book is a little more 'interactive' than some others. It reads side-ways and each page is a different length/color/theme.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Day of events--mostly imaginary play.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Awesome design, illustrations were wonderful and the story itself is one kids are going to enjoy! I wouldn't use it for a story time, but one on one and reading alone- its a winner!

[Amanda Geske · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Phew, all this pretending makes me hot.”

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one's kind of fun in that it reads vertically instead of horizontally, but the concept is pretty obvious and the artwork didn't really grab me.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about how far you can go without ever leaving your room. With a little imagination, that is.

[Emily Griswold Bunty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book with a fun structure. The illustrations are too minimalist for kids and the text is a bit vague.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it, but... That's really my feeling to Witek's books. I love the creative layout and design, all the page shapes and the bright color play. They always have good messages. But there's something missing that really keep them from hitting home for me. I dunno.

Here our book focuses on the little girl and the power of her imagination, with each page showcasing a new adventure. It's a great book for creativity and the power of imagination and storytelling play.