Celebrate You!: An Uplifting Picture Book About Milestones and Growing Up for Kids

by Sherri Duskey Rinker, A.N. Kang (Illustrator)

From Sherri Duskey Rinker, the blockbuster New York Times bestselling author of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, and A. N. Kang, the acclaimed illustrator of Papillon: The Very Fluffy Kitty, comes the perfect graduation book for fans of The Wonderful Things You Will Be.

Loudly and proudly, let’s celebrate YOU!

This charming new picture book celebrates all the small but important milestones on the way to growing up, from the first wobbly baby steps to the time when they’re ready to leave the nest.

With irresistible illustrations and an inspiring message, Celebrate You! will cheer and encourage readers of any age.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Storytime, Animals, Birds, Family

34 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2019

About the author

Sherri has returned to her passion of writing to indulge her own children's passions. A graphic designer, she lives in Chicago with her photographer husband, a cockapoo named Quincy, several fish, a few hermit crabs, an ever-changing array of insects in jars, toys in every corner, and two energetic and inquisitive young boys: one fascinated by bugs and magic and another obsessed with trucks and trains. She's constantly inspired -- and often exhausted! She created GOODNIGHT, GOODNIGHT, CONSTRUCTION SITE in hopes of happier bedtimes and sweet dreams for all.

This is Sherri's first book, and (just in case you think it can't happen!) it was picked from the slush pile.

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this cute, rhyming book as it’s filled with positive, high energy that would make any person feel good. It’s a book to share with someone that you’re proud of, that you love, or you’re happy to be with because it speaks to anyone who is admired and appreciated.

The story’s illustrations are centered around a sweet, little penguin yet they never mention the word penguin in the script. The script uses the word “you” when mentioning the penguin throughout the text, so that the book can be related to any individual who is reading this beautiful book.

It mentions the struggles and the challenges that were faced. The dreams that desired. It talks about how strong and committed you were along the way and how we feel about you as you “aim for the sky!”

The illustrations were lively and full of love and I liked all the positive vibes I got off the book. There were lots of great adjectives in the book. A wonderful book.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sherri Duskey Rinker, author of such picture-book bestsellers as Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Steam Train, Dream Train , joins forces with illustrator A.N. Kang, the author/artist behind The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon and its sequel, in presenting this sing-song picture-book of affirmation. As the title suggests, it is a celebration of "you" - no doubt meant to be the picture-book reader/listener - from birth through some momentous rites of passage, in which "you" embark on a new voyage...

Clearly meant as a graduation gift item, Celebrate You! is a book I expected to enjoy more than I did, given the fact that I have found some of Rinker's other books engaging, and thought that Kang's picture-books about Papillon were adorable. Unfortunately, although there's really nothing wrong here, there also wasn't anything that particularly stood out to me. The artwork was cute enough, and the text had a sing-song quality, but I finished the book with the feeling that this had been done before, and better, in such titles as Dr. Seuss' Oh, The Places You'll Go! , or Emily Winfield Martin's The Wonderful Things You Will Be . If half stars were available this would be a 2.5 rating for me. That said, tastes vary, so those in the market for this kind of thing might still want to give it a try.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

An extended sappy Hallmark card trying to give kids confidence by telling them they are nearly perfect. Now I’m totally behind an adult saying the things in this book to a specific child that they know, because that means you can adapt the compliments to the reality of the child. And a smart adult can certainly use the book this way...but then, a smart adult wouldn’t need this book to help them say those things, would they?

However, thinking of myself when I was a little one, a possible danger is that a kid who pays attention to the message may just as easily become egotistical if they believe it, or depressed if they realize that they don’t live up to the “unstoppable” “witty” “humble” “strong”, etc. kid the book describes. The book means well but I don’t think its method is a good way to achieve its goals.

The pictures are cute, though.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, I think this book should replace Oh The Places You'll Go as a graduation gift.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this is a wonderful picture book, it is also perfect for a graduation present. Kang's illustrations are cute, colorful, and clever. The story follows little penguin as he tries new things, sometimes stumbles, and keeps trying until he makes it. Important qualities, such as kindness, concern and humility, are also highlighted. No matter our age, we could all use a little self-celebration and this book is just the thing.

[Ashley Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! This is a great read with a great reminder for readers of all ages. Even adults need reminders of their successes and the obstacles they have overcome. It almost seems like a birthday celebration book but I also thought it would make a great graduation gift. The illustrations are soft and remind me of a time long ago. The main character is a penguin and I think this is a good idea to make the book more universal.

[Briana Lewellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my absolute FAVORITE!! I am definitely purchasing this for my future classroom! This book is all about celebrating the important milestones, not matter how small or how big. You could read this book to students at the beginning of the school year and at the end, to remind them of all the milestones that they have achieved and will continue to achieve. Highly Recommended for EVERYONE!
Copyright: 2019

[BlackhamBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough little rhyming "story" ... not really a story per se, just a "you are wonderful, you can do anything, look at what you've done" which ... while some may "ahhhh" over such stuff, to me, it really doesn't have any meaning when this is a random book, which could be read to any human being on the planet. It's generic.

Cutesy rhymes, a little in the Suess style.
The artwork is really darling though - precious little penguin.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this a perfect book for a growing little one, but for any age, and for any accomplishment. Our little bird fiend has come a long way and we are ready to congratulate! Celebrate yourself, friends, and family with this lovely and sentimental book to commemorate any occasion; even if it's just to acknowledge the wonder that is you.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this was similar to Dr. Seuss's Oh the Places You Will Go. It talks about how you grow up, but it has a more optimistic view. Dr. Seuss's book is optimistic, but it also admits that sometimes bad things happen and you got to keep going. This book does not really focus on that too much, but it is still an adorable book!

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has a good message that everyone needs to hear.

Excerpt from the book:
"Strong will and hard work
have led you this way.
You've chased all your dreams . . . .
Look where you are today!

We can hardly believe it --
you've just come so far.
We're amazed at what
a strong person you are!"

[Christine Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storytime: You

Let's celebrate YOU! This charming new picture book celebrates all the small but important milestones on the way to growing up, from the first wobbly baby steps to the time when they're ready to leave the nest. With irresistible illustrations and an inspiring message for children and those who are young at heart.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little over the top, but if you have a kid in your life who makes you particularly proud, or needs a little pick-me-up, then this is the book for you. You're brave, smart, unique.... Everyone loves you... We celebrate who you are and all your accomplishments.

[Ellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I love penguins so I love that the main character of this book is an adorable penguin. What a cute, upbeat book! I can see this becoming the new “Oh the Places You’ll Go” aa a graduation present (especially with all the controversy Seuss books have caused in recent years).

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

copyright: 2019
genre: poetry
themes: uniqueness, celebrating differences
My favorite part of this book were the illustrations, they were so darn cute!
This would be a great book to read on the first day of class to teaches students to respect everyone's differences.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is nice, but typical. The rhyming and cadence are there, and the illustrations are fun. The message is that you are you, and deserved to be celebrated.
#WinterGames2020 #TeamReadNosedReindeer +16

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The uplifting text is accompanied by charming illustrations. It is a perfect graduation choice!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Affirming and inspiring.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute celebration of a young penguin's life and all its accomplished. Reads like a graduation gift, although I don't think high schoolers or college students would connect to it.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good graduation gift.

[Katrina Clohessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from the perspective of friends/family celebrating someone’s birthday and explaining why they’re great. 3.5 stars. 32 pages

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the premise of this book but something is off in the rhythm. Also not sure why the penguin flies; that’s a bit of a problem for me.

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute new book that will be on the list of books to gift at a graduation... I just felt the rhythm/rhymes weren't always even and tripped me up a bit.

[Norkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would make a wonderful gift for birthdays or graduation!

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for the end of the school year or for a graduation gift.

[Anne Lutomia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful ode. An excellent read to a child during a birthday or graduation.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels like a birthday book...something you would read to a child on their special day. It was nice.

[Syntha Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet celebration

[Megan Sanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with the black bow on the penguin's egg that became his little bow tie.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The penguin in this was extra cute and cuddly looking! The text was encouraging and sweet, didn't wow me or anything, but was a positive message for kids on their birthday.