I Can Be Anything! Don't Tell Me I Can't

by Diane Dillon

Girl power! Two-time Caldecott Medalist Diane Dillon sends tigers and dinosaurs leaping off the pages as 5-year-old Zoe declares she can be an archaeologist, vet, U.S. president, and more. NAACP Image Award Nominee! Zoe embraces all the wonders of our world and its infinite possibilities. "I can be anything I want to be!" she tells us, presenting herself in a range of careers. "But what if you fail?" asks a voice of doubt that attempts to undermine her confidence.Bold and sassy, Zoe swats the voice away at every turn, declaring her certainty with a charisma that will encourage us all to silence our fears. Why can't a girl grow up to be President? Zoe can! When the voice of doubt continues, Zoe knows exactly what to "Go away, voice... I can be anything... but first, I have to learn to read. And don't tell me I can't!"Caldecott Award-winner Diane Dillon has created a winning character who defies anything to hold her back from achieving her goals. And the key to Zoe's future success begins when Zoe defiantly opens her book, making it clear that both confidence and reading are tools we all need to make our dreams come true.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Growth Mindset, Inspirational, Kids, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2018

About the author

Diane Dillon is a celebrated American magazine and book-cover artist, and a children's book author and illustrator. The vast majority of her work was done collaboratively with her husband, Leo Dillon, with whom she won her many awards.

Born in Los Angeles in 1933, Diane Sorber was educated at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she met Leo Dillon, who was initially a fierce artistic competitor. Their fifty-year collaboration, after their eventual marriage, resulted in over one hundred speculative fiction book and magazine covers, and numerous picture-book illustrations. They were jointly awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1976 and 1977, the only artists to be so honored twice in a row. The Dillons had one son, Lee Dillon, who also became an artist, and with whom they collaborated on Nancy Willard's Pish, Posh, Said Hieronymus Bosch. Diane Dillon's first solo project, published after Leo's death in 2012, is the recent I Can Be Anything! Don't Tell Me I Can't. (source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. This is fantastic. Squash the inner negative voice and just read!

[Alyse Liebovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a mock-up ARC copy of this picture book at the recent ALA conference. What a great lesson to instill in kids at a young age-- you are bigger than the "I can't" voice in your head! Especially loved the last 3 pages. I'd write them out here, but I don't want to spoil anything, since it looks like this won't actually be published until next year. The author's bio was incredibly interesting as well, and after reading the last line of it that this is her first solo book since losing her husband/book illustrator partner, it made me appreciate the book even more.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most of us, Zoe has big dreams for the future. But she also has this pesky voice telling her that she can't reach those dreams and planting seeds of doubt. Each time she hears the voice, she has a response and explains how she will deal with any roadblocks in her path. I liked how Zoe's comments are in black and the nagging voice's whispers are in a colored italics font, making it clear that there are two speakers here. As Zoe describes all the adventures she plans to have and the careers she might choose when she is older, the illustrations fit those dreams perfectly. While I appreciated how she finally addressed the annoying voice and threatened it, silencing it--at least for the moment--by explaining the first steps she plans to take to make those dreams actually happen. Teachers and librarians will smile because she realizes that learning how to read and then perusing books about possible careers will have to be first on her list. I liked the idea behind this book and the positive message it delivers to youngsters that they can be anything they want to be. But I also appreciate the reminder that as Thoreau once told us, dreams or castles in the air are not much use unless there are foundations for them. Zoe can dream all she likes, but unless she learns to read, write, study, and work hard, her dreams may not come true. This is a good title for sharing and discussing with others. The author/illustrator's bio offers some insight into Diane Dillon's own motivation for writing and illustrating this book, which may cause readers to appreciate it even more. The only aspect of the book that bothered me was Zoe's body, which seemed too tall for someone who hasn't attended school yet and learned to read. The back of the book contains a list of possibly careers to set readers off on their own journeys of exploration.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Can Be Anything! Don't Tell Me I Can't is a book by Diane Dillon. This book focuses on a little girl named Zoe, who is not quite sure of what she wants to be when she grows up. But just as she has an idea, the little voice in her head, called doubt, makes her second guess whether she can do it or not. Zoe fights through this voice and builds her confidence by realizing that the key to her success is learning how to read. Diane Dillon is a Caldecott Award winning author who created a story that exemplifies a young girls confidence skills being built up throughout the story. This story focuses on fighting off doubt and building ones self confidence up by believing in yourself. This is a great story to read to children from PreK-3rd grade, as its in the earliest years of a child's life where their confidence can either be full or tarnish. This book is a great way to build a strong foundation for confident children at a young age. It teaches children that we can be anything we set our heart and minds too and to never doubt yourself and to fight through it. This book could be used in kindergarten and first grade when children are emergent readers. A lot of children may struggle with reading, so reading this book for read aloud can give those struggling students more hope and confidence in themselves.

[Viviane Elbee]

In this book, a young girl imagines all the things she can be when she grows up while a little negative voice in her head keeps trying to squash her aspirations. The little girl keeps her confidence and pushes back on the negative voice.

The book might be good for kids who struggle with having confidence in their abilities.

Artwork is nice.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels a little forced but I like the wide variety of options the child comes up with for herself. They go way beyond your standard fare and provide young kids, especially girls, with ideas they may not have considered.

[Tricia]

I liked the message of this book, ignoring that doubting voice inside that tells you that you can't do things. That being said, I'm not sure if my kiddos would get it. The illustrations feel dated, but I enjoyed the text.

[Cassaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRAVO!

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can be a Librarian!!

[Mary Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

What to do when that little voice inside your head tells you that you can't do something. Love that list of career options on the back cover!

[Frances Hotchkiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful positive book! I loved the quote from Eleonor Roosevelt that is included on the jacket cover, " Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, 'It can't be done.'" My grandmother always said that "can't never did anything, just try!" I enjoyed all of Zoe's possible career choices and conquering that negative voice inside. Of course as a librarian I was pleased to see that was one of the possible careers. However, my favorite thing was to teach children that you need to read, read and read to know how to do everything! This would be a great book for careers day.

[Michele Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate the idea of encouraging children to pursue their dreams, I think it does them a disservice to tell them that they can be anything they want. Realistically, not everyone can be a rock star, famous actor, or professional athlete. Instead, I would say that it is important to encourage children to develop their own unique talents, discover what they love and are passionate about, and
to strive for excellence in all of their pursuits.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received an F&G of this book at an ALA conference.

[Maddie Adams]

I Can Be Anything! Don't tell me I Can't by Diane Dillon is the enthusiastic story of a girl named Zoe! Zoe, a little colored girl is exploring all her future career possibilities and answering the question of "what can I be" with multiple answers. Zoe though is constantly hearing from "the voice of doubt", that questions her abilities. But Zoe calmly and confidently challenges the voice each time. It is a very heart warming and encouraging message from the eyes of a child that applies to people of all ages.

I enjoyed this book. The way it was told, it was a story that didn't flow page to page but instead each page told a different story. I also love the way the book expresses Zoe's calm but courageous point of view! its contagious! The illustrations weren't my favorite but the words were beautiful.

I would use this book in the classroom because of its social outlook. The book has a very positive message that not just children but everyone needs to hear about! To tell a child, you can be anything, and them believe it....who knows what incredible things they will do and how positive their lives could potentially be. The classroom is also responsible for so much more than teaching facts from a book.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe says that she can be anything she wants to be, like a bird flying up high. But she also has a little voice that asks what happens if she falls. Time and again, Zoe states her dream and why it will work but the little voice is still there asking nagging questions and inserting doubt. Zoe dreams of being a scientist or a veterinarian or a musician or President. Still, that voice comments on each of those dreams. Each time though, Zoe responds or ignores the voice until it can’t answer anymore. This picture book shows how to push through personal doubts and follow your dreams, whatever they may be.

This is Dillon’s first solo picture book since the death of her husband. The insidious little voice that we all have is nicely drawn here, so that everyone can relate to the messages it gives. Zoe’s inherent enthusiasm and pride in herself are not cut down even though she has doubts. The focus on learning, science, arts and reading is strong in this book. Dillon’s illustrations are beautifully done, featuring Zoe and her dreams becoming reality on each page. A winning look at resilience and empowerment, this picture book is inspiring. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

[Khearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Zoe is exploring all the many different thing she can become. Each time she saysI can do something a voice tells her she can’t. Each time she hears the voice Zoe changes what the negative voice saysI to something positive. Eventually she drowns out the negative voice with all of her positivity.

Rating: This book won the Caldecott award and I think it’s pretty clear to see why. I love this book. I think it’s a great illustration of the negative voice we have in our mind and not to be discouraged by it. I would rate this book a five out of five.

Use in Classroom: This book is a great book for all ages. I would read this book to my class and we would have a discussion on what they want to be. I would then have an activity where the student could draw a picture of what they are going to be or they could dress upas that character. I think this is a great book to encourage our students to dream.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a sweet little story with an encouraging message behind it. It takes readers through the mind of a little girl named Zoe. In this story, Zoe explores all the possibilities she has in her bright future, until doubtful thoughts intrude her mind and tell her that she'll never be good enough. Through the story, we read as Zoe challenges these thoughts, and tells them to go away because they aren't true. This is a sweet, uplifting story for children. It has a good lesson and is inspiring to children to be strong and learn to challenge and quiet that tiny doubting voice.
I enjoyed reading this book. I really thought it had an important message in it. I liked how Zoe was so imaginative with her dreams of the future. Seeing her digging in a sandbox and then dreaming to be an archaeologist was sweet. I also appreciated how in the end of the story, little Zoe tied in the importance of her to read and learn first so that she can reach these dreams.

[Caroline Beunier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caldecott medal winner Diane Dillon writes and illustrates a story about Zoe, a young girl who is a little unsure of what she wants to be when she grows up. Zoe uses her beautiful imagination to ponder numerous professions, but each time she has an idea, she has to face the little voice inside called doubt. She learns that the key to her success is learning how to read. This book is highly recommended because it empowers young children to learn important literacy skills in order to follow their dreams. Early readers may find it useful because it inspires determination and creativity and builds self-awareness. Teachers may use this book to help children who are struggling to find confidence to read, or they may use it to connect with various social studies themes such as community and individual development and identity.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book begs to be read aloud to someone who needs to hear that the restrictive voices in their head ("You can't do that... you'll never be able") can be disagreed with. The text is call and response between Zoe and the imposter syndrome and Zoe clearly comes out ahead. The illustrations are romantic watercolors that routinely break out of their borders to explore the white space of the margins, visually echoing Zoe's resolve to break barriers. The character of Zoe appears gender-neutral for the most part, except when wearing a dress at a piano recital. Zoe's ethnicity is not evident, which we can either read as an opportunity for the reader to insert themselves into Zoe's experience or a missed opportunity to clearly illustrate a marginalized youth entertaining the possibilities of what-if.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a 2nd grade teacher, and I usually write my review as I read (for picture books.) Illustrations are very charming, much different from the bright colors and cartoony looks of most picture books (pictures are VERY important to kids.) Story about Zoe problem solving when the "little voice" in her head tells her she can't and brings up 'what if' scenarios. A few big words - ornithologist, oceanographer, but these are self-explanatory when used in context; same with astronomer. At one point the voice goes away, but it comes back (it always does.) Overall, great book to discuss overcoming issues and negative self-concept. I think it would be great in any class.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book features softly focused realistic gauche spreads framed in white. Each scene jigsaws together with comfortingly defined layers of color. The central illustrations represent Zoe's vision of possibilities for her future while the white border holds corresponding images of Zoe playing pretend. At the bottom of the page, the text appears neatly and predictably. The words in black are Zoe's dreams of growing up and finding wonderful career opportunities. The italicized words in rust are from her voice of self-doubt. She must actively tell her doubts to go away so she can learn to read and begin her journey.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect for for inspiration! The character, Zoe uses her imagination believing that she can be anything, including a bird, but first she has to silence that little doubting voice in her head.
This book is a great inspiration for all ages and introduces children to different career paths, which some can be used as vocabulary words such as, archaeologist, ornithologist, oceanographer, scientist, veterinarian, fire girl, artist, etc...not only does this book introduce children to different ideas that they can be, this book also gives an description of each, so if the younger children are listening to this story, they can make a connection.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely picture book celebrates imagination, creativity, and the ambition to reach for the stars. The little girl in this book wants to be all sorts of things - an astronaut, a veterinarian, a pastry chef, and so on... But the little girl also has the nagging, doubtful voice at the back of her head telling her all the reasons that she can't achieve the things she dreams. I think everyone has that voice at the back of their head, and we should all be like to this girl and tell it, "Don't tell me I can't!"

[Selina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a 5 year old girl named Zoe who believes she can do anything she wants to do. If she wants to become a president or a vet, she could do either one she wanted. I really like this story because it addresses gender stereotypes and sends a message that girls can be anything even if it's a "boy" thing. You can definitely tell that this is a newer book based on its theme, but I'm glad that authors are choosing to write about real life problems and trying to address them with children at a young age.

[Kat Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I Can Be Anything!" follows a girl named Zoe as she battles the voice in her head (yes, we all have one) telling her that she can't. I'm not sure what I liked more - the physical book or the backstory about how Diane Dillon created books with her husband for 50 years and that this is her first solo literary adventure since he passed. My heart! Swoon. A great book for the dreamers and doers who need a little encouragement to keep going, keep creating, keep doing, keep dreaming...despite what their inner voice chirps.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that every parent should read over and over...and over again to their young children. Read it every month. Read it every year from the time they are infants to the time they are 18. We are all getting more and more obsessed and side-tracked by the voice inside our heads and we need to constantly be reminded that we are capable of many, many, great and wonderous things if we only belive that its possible. Buy a copy, read it over and over until you wear it out and need to buy a new one.

No, seriously.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute book about a child who keeps thinking of things she can be when she grows up, but the little voice in her head keeps telling her why she would not be able to do that. She continues to think of different things she can be, and the voice continues to tell her why she would not be good at that. She eventually decides to not listen to the voices in her heard, and be the adventurous person she wants to be....which starts with reading books! What a great encouragement to children to not put themselves down and see where they can go with books!

[Smoot M.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures and great introductions too many different careers that one can consider. The little girl Zoe describe herself as smart and capable of doing anything she wants to do. There is a dark voice inside her that tries to discourage her but with youth on her side and the ability to deal with any crisis has me championing her and her goals of being a great somebody that will make great contributions to society. The voice inside her is relentless but her final answer is in truth the greatest solution.
A must read.

[Danielle Sales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este livro é importante em vários sentidos. Ele vai muito além do tema “escolha da profissão”, mas é claro que também pode ser utilizado com esse intuito em sala de aula. A contracapa, aliás, me deu algumas boas ideias!

Zoe, a personagem principal, é questionada o tempo todo a respeito de suas escolhas por uma “vozinha”. Que mulher nunca passou por isso, durante a infância ou mesmo na idade adulta?

Leia essa história para uma criança, para que ela saiba que pode ser o que ela quiser, independentemente das vozes, internas ou externas, que digam o contrário.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a very positive message of I can be anything! What a wonderful message for children and for kids to not listen to their negative inner voices. I was hoping that there would a positive inner voice by the end, but no such luck. This is the first book written and illustrated completely by Caldecott Medal winner, Diane Dillon since the passing of her husband and collaborator, Leo Dillon. I hope that this is the first of many more books. Highly recommended.