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You Are Light:
With a wondrously simple die-cut book, the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of the Journey trilogy brings his talents further into the light.
This is the light that brings the day.
Open this beautiful book to find a graphic yellow sun surrounded by a halo of bright die-cut circles. Now hold the page up to the light and enjoy the transformation as the colors in those circles glow. In an elegant, sparely narrated ode to the phenomenon of light, Aaron Becker follows as light reflects off the earth to warm our faces, draws up the sea to make the rain, feeds all the things that grow, and helps to create all the brilliant wonders of the world, including ourselves.
This is the light that brings the day.
Open this beautiful book to find a graphic yellow sun surrounded by a halo of bright die-cut circles. Now hold the page up to the light and enjoy the transformation as the colors in those circles glow. In an elegant, sparely narrated ode to the phenomenon of light, Aaron Becker follows as light reflects off the earth to warm our faces, draws up the sea to make the rain, feeds all the things that grow, and helps to create all the brilliant wonders of the world, including ourselves.
16 pages, Board Book
First published March 26, 2019
1 person is currently reading
2178 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Becker
13 books423 followersAaron Becker has worked as an artist for such film studios as Lucasfilm, Disney, and Pixar, where he helped define the look and feel of characters, stories, and the movies they become a part of. With Journey, he has created characters and worlds of his very own, using traditional materials and techniques. Aaron Becker lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with his wife, daughter, and cat. This is his first book.
"I’ve made several memorable journeys in my lifetime. I’ve lived in rural Japan and East Africa and backpacked through the South Pacific and Sweden. But to this day, my favorite destination remains my imagination, where you can often find me drawing secret doorways and magic lanterns." — Aaron Becker
"I’ve made several memorable journeys in my lifetime. I’ve lived in rural Japan and East Africa and backpacked through the South Pacific and Sweden. But to this day, my favorite destination remains my imagination, where you can often find me drawing secret doorways and magic lanterns." — Aaron Becker
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
February 27, 2019
Huge disappointment. I loved Becker's trilogy of wordless books, but this is just dreadful - trite text and a gimmick that adds nothing - the emperor has no clothes.
June 12, 2019
Picture-book artist Aaron Becker, creator of that marvelous trilogy of wordless tales -
Journey
,
Quest
and
Return
- as well as
A Stone for Sascha
, turns to interactive board books in this new title. A simple but poetic text celebrates the power of light, and is paired with stylized illustrations. Each spread here features a circle of cut-outs in the cardboard page, with colored plastic letting the light through and simulating stained-glass windows.
After greatly enjoying all of the author's previous titles, I fully expected to take You Are Light to heart. Unfortunately, although I did find the concept interesting, the end product left a little to be desired. The colored windows were fun, but didn't have lasting appeal for me. The narrative worked well, and although it was couched in poetic terms, it made sense (until the end) from a scientific perspective. When, for instance, the sun "sips the sea to make the rain," this is clearly a reference to ocean evaporation and the water cycle. I really appreciated this aspect of the book, that it used non-scientific language but was scientifically sound. Alas, this approach was abandoned on the final page, when the narrator declared that "This light is you. And you are light." I found this rather puzzling, as the focus until that point had been on the sun. Was the narrator trying to say that we (human beings) are the sun? Our lives depend upon that celestial body, of course, but that's a somewhat different statement. Was he saying that we should be like the sun, to those around us? The switch from a scientific to a figurative understanding of light just didn't work for me. In the end, this was a well-designed book (I like the use of the color spectrum, since this is a book about light), and an interesting one. I just don't think it was an entirely successful one. Tastes vary, of course - I have a colleague who considered this his favorite book so far this year (2019) - so fans of Aaron Becker might want to pick this one up and see for themselves.
After greatly enjoying all of the author's previous titles, I fully expected to take You Are Light to heart. Unfortunately, although I did find the concept interesting, the end product left a little to be desired. The colored windows were fun, but didn't have lasting appeal for me. The narrative worked well, and although it was couched in poetic terms, it made sense (until the end) from a scientific perspective. When, for instance, the sun "sips the sea to make the rain," this is clearly a reference to ocean evaporation and the water cycle. I really appreciated this aspect of the book, that it used non-scientific language but was scientifically sound. Alas, this approach was abandoned on the final page, when the narrator declared that "This light is you. And you are light." I found this rather puzzling, as the focus until that point had been on the sun. Was the narrator trying to say that we (human beings) are the sun? Our lives depend upon that celestial body, of course, but that's a somewhat different statement. Was he saying that we should be like the sun, to those around us? The switch from a scientific to a figurative understanding of light just didn't work for me. In the end, this was a well-designed book (I like the use of the color spectrum, since this is a book about light), and an interesting one. I just don't think it was an entirely successful one. Tastes vary, of course - I have a colleague who considered this his favorite book so far this year (2019) - so fans of Aaron Becker might want to pick this one up and see for themselves.
August 27, 2022
The art is lovely, simple, stylized water colors. The text is simple, but poetic. And the color inserts, both the idea of the clear, colored circles, how they overlap to create more colors (color theory for wee ones!) But also, the execution of the whole thing is attractive and understated, which lets the elements shine: especially when you hold it up to the light.
What I don't understand is why this board book is recommended for ages 4 to 8. Well, since there's a stack of board books next to me, it was worth a moment to see if suggested ages were on the others. And it just gets weirder. Most don't have a range at all, which is fine. Lois & Bob says 0 to 3; Tops & Tails says 3+ and says it's a choking hazard with small parts (!?!?). No doubt some people who haven't shopped for board books wouldn't understand that the text, images, size, and sturdiness of the book are intended for toddlers who like to gnaw and don't have to coordination to turn less chonky pages, or librarians might want to know the target age group. But also, what difference does it make, because they're all going to end up shelved together? And they're mostly going to be read to kids.
Small parts, though? I'm guessing each half of a split page is 4 X 3 inches. Yes, kids might eventually tear one out, but the odds of a choking on something that large seem low. Regardless, if you're shopping for anyone under 5 or 6, this would be a fine choice.
Library copy
What I don't understand is why this board book is recommended for ages 4 to 8. Well, since there's a stack of board books next to me, it was worth a moment to see if suggested ages were on the others. And it just gets weirder. Most don't have a range at all, which is fine. Lois & Bob says 0 to 3; Tops & Tails says 3+ and says it's a choking hazard with small parts (!?!?). No doubt some people who haven't shopped for board books wouldn't understand that the text, images, size, and sturdiness of the book are intended for toddlers who like to gnaw and don't have to coordination to turn less chonky pages, or librarians might want to know the target age group. But also, what difference does it make, because they're all going to end up shelved together? And they're mostly going to be read to kids.
Small parts, though? I'm guessing each half of a split page is 4 X 3 inches. Yes, kids might eventually tear one out, but the odds of a choking on something that large seem low. Regardless, if you're shopping for anyone under 5 or 6, this would be a fine choice.
Library copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
Starting his career as an author/illustrator with Journey, which received a 2014 Caldecott Honor, showed that Aaron Becker was an innovator. He wanted to take children's literature to new places. You Are Light reinforces this, celebrating the versatility of the visible spectrum through a blend of poetry and interactive visuals.
How do we perceive light? It comes as golden rays at dawn, spilling over the horizon to greet each new morning. The rosy flame of sun tints the cool blue of translucent waters, which eventually rain to hydrate our amber waves of grain and gentle forest greenery. Rain coaxes delicate flower blossoms to burst forth, spreading color and cheer. At night, the sun reflects off the moon, illuminating its alabaster surface as a natural night light. The life and joy of human beings is light, and to bask in it is an incomparable gift.
I like the see-through panes that surround the center of this book, their colors changing slightly page by page to correlate with the poem. The correlation isn't perfect, but it's a nice effect. It could be done more precisely, especially by an artist of Aaron Becker's talent, but this book should catch the eye of toddlers who like interactive story elements. As a plaything, You Are Light could be quite popular.
How do we perceive light? It comes as golden rays at dawn, spilling over the horizon to greet each new morning. The rosy flame of sun tints the cool blue of translucent waters, which eventually rain to hydrate our amber waves of grain and gentle forest greenery. Rain coaxes delicate flower blossoms to burst forth, spreading color and cheer. At night, the sun reflects off the moon, illuminating its alabaster surface as a natural night light. The life and joy of human beings is light, and to bask in it is an incomparable gift.
I like the see-through panes that surround the center of this book, their colors changing slightly page by page to correlate with the poem. The correlation isn't perfect, but it's a nice effect. It could be done more precisely, especially by an artist of Aaron Becker's talent, but this book should catch the eye of toddlers who like interactive story elements. As a plaything, You Are Light could be quite popular.
April 3, 2019
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. Love how cute and simple this book was. Kids would really love the color and the cutouts were great looking. Also how you can interact with the different pages as you read to them and put it up against the lamp or sun.
May 12, 2019
Beautiful and unqiue in its use of die cuts, this concept book can be appreciated by a wide range of ages.
March 12, 2019
It is such a joy to share the books reviewed here on Chat With Vera with a local library, a homeschool family, a neighbor, and especially a special Great-grandbaby. His dear mother has reviewed You Are Light for us after sharing it with this sweet little one. Her review is especially pertinent as she is an artist and a superb professional photographer.
We recently received this lovely book from a family member and I must say, the gift was perfectly timed. It was the end of a long day and we were on the way home when our little one was getting fussy in his carseat. I climbed into the back seat and pulled out this beautifully crafted book that describes color and light. The book is a dynamic tool that changes when you look down upon it from above versus holding it up to the window to let the light shine through the little circular panes.
The welcome distraction became an exploration in the color wheel and will likely spark deeper conversations into the cycle of water, sun and their effects on the earth’s environment when he’s old enough to understand. While the author stays rooted in the scientific explanation of how our climate works, he also introduces ideas of blending colors and the concept that we all have a special light within each of us.
This book could be an excellent starting point for many conversations and questions with your young one no matter their age. If you need a simple distraction in the car, want to delve into the mysteries that govern our physical world or would like to explore the artistic side of color and light, this book is definitely one to bring along! ———R. Roddenberry-Smith
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are those of the reviewer and are freely given.
We recently received this lovely book from a family member and I must say, the gift was perfectly timed. It was the end of a long day and we were on the way home when our little one was getting fussy in his carseat. I climbed into the back seat and pulled out this beautifully crafted book that describes color and light. The book is a dynamic tool that changes when you look down upon it from above versus holding it up to the window to let the light shine through the little circular panes.
The welcome distraction became an exploration in the color wheel and will likely spark deeper conversations into the cycle of water, sun and their effects on the earth’s environment when he’s old enough to understand. While the author stays rooted in the scientific explanation of how our climate works, he also introduces ideas of blending colors and the concept that we all have a special light within each of us.
This book could be an excellent starting point for many conversations and questions with your young one no matter their age. If you need a simple distraction in the car, want to delve into the mysteries that govern our physical world or would like to explore the artistic side of color and light, this book is definitely one to bring along! ———R. Roddenberry-Smith
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are those of the reviewer and are freely given.
March 17, 2021
You Are Light, by Aaron Becker uses dye cut circles and leaf shapes to enhance its lovely text. The die cut circles glow with color when you hold them up to the light and the colors change with each page turn. Simple rhyming words, like: "This is light that brings the dawn to warm the sky and hug the land. It sips the sea to make the rain, which waters wheat to grow the grain." evoke discussion about how light helps us. The design of this book coupled with its lyrical text makes it this the kind of book that kids will pick up over and over again.
Read
August 16, 2020Very pretty. So much fun to hold up to the light. Not sure about “you are light” although I suppose it is scientifically accurate.
April 10, 2019
First sentence: This is the light that brings the dawn to warm the sky and hug the land. It sips the sea to make the rain, which waters wheat to grow the grain.
Premise/plot: Simple text, complicated design highlight a new-age-y message for little ones? I'm not one hundred percent sure of that last bit--that's opinion not fact. But regardless the text is simple and the design is complicated.
My thoughts: If the book did not end in an obscure, abstract, obviously-vague, perhaps new-age-y way (This light is you. And you are light.) then perhaps I could overlook the strange, quirky nature of the book. Sure, this book is a little out there--but it's harmless. It could provide entertainment for bored adults who are looking for a book to hold up to light--windows. There are worse ways to entertain yourself, right?! If only the text had stayed whimsical...but it didn't.
I foresee that there will be people who LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book and think it's super-creative, incredibly profound, a piece of art in and of itself. There will be people that, on the other hand, think it's way over-rated and just a waste of time. Then perhaps there will be a small handful of Christians who object to the content being pushed. I fall into two of those groups. Even without the possible agenda being pushed, I think this is a case of the Emperor's New Clothes--and the emperor is NAKED.
That being said, I did hold the book up to a window with the sun coming through--to see if it "improved" the book. It did--slightly. I'm not bored enough to do it again.
Premise/plot: Simple text, complicated design highlight a new-age-y message for little ones? I'm not one hundred percent sure of that last bit--that's opinion not fact. But regardless the text is simple and the design is complicated.
My thoughts: If the book did not end in an obscure, abstract, obviously-vague, perhaps new-age-y way (This light is you. And you are light.) then perhaps I could overlook the strange, quirky nature of the book. Sure, this book is a little out there--but it's harmless. It could provide entertainment for bored adults who are looking for a book to hold up to light--windows. There are worse ways to entertain yourself, right?! If only the text had stayed whimsical...but it didn't.
I foresee that there will be people who LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book and think it's super-creative, incredibly profound, a piece of art in and of itself. There will be people that, on the other hand, think it's way over-rated and just a waste of time. Then perhaps there will be a small handful of Christians who object to the content being pushed. I fall into two of those groups. Even without the possible agenda being pushed, I think this is a case of the Emperor's New Clothes--and the emperor is NAKED.
That being said, I did hold the book up to a window with the sun coming through--to see if it "improved" the book. It did--slightly. I'm not bored enough to do it again.
July 16, 2019
I won this as a goodreads first-read giveaway. It is a cute boardbook with unique cutouts. The words although above the comprehension of its young audience, have a rhythm that will please them. I passed it along to my neighbours whose children are 2 and 4. If I get feedback from them, i will update my post!
March 29, 2019
This is a great book to empower a young child. It's quite an interesting read as you have color wheels that you can hold up to the light and discuss with kids.
September 23, 2019
A very simple and enchanting board book about colors and the cycle of life.
I love the cellophane circles of different colors.
I love the cellophane circles of different colors.
March 8, 2019
I was excited to receive a review copy of this book based on the book trailer, but now that I have it in hand, I have to admit to being underwhelmed. The gimmick is fun at first glance. My kids wanted to hold the book up to the window and see the light shine through the colored circles. It was neat to see the way the images in the center of each page seemed to pop out, and we enjoyed seeing the shadow of the cut-outs on the front cover against our living room floor. After doing all of that just once, however, we'd pretty much exhausted what this book can offer. The text is abstract and the "you are the light" message feels empty and sounds more meaningful than it is. The colored circles don't show up on surfaces even when a flashlight is shone right through them, and the patterns made by the empty circles don't seem to signify anything. The book is really just a glorified optical illusion, and frankly, it would be more satisfying to just go out and buy a suncatcher.
March 17, 2021
With a wondrously simple die-cut book, the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of the Journey trilogy brings his talents further into the light.
This is the light that brings the day.
Open this beautiful book to find a graphic yellow sun surrounded by a halo of bright die-cut circles. Now hold the page up to the light and enjoy the transformation as the colors in those circles glow. In an elegant, sparely narrated ode to the phenomenon of light, Aaron Becker follows as light reflects off the earth to warm our faces, draws up the sea to make the rain, feeds all the things that grow, and helps to create all the brilliant wonders of the world, including ourselves.
This is the light that brings the day.
Open this beautiful book to find a graphic yellow sun surrounded by a halo of bright die-cut circles. Now hold the page up to the light and enjoy the transformation as the colors in those circles glow. In an elegant, sparely narrated ode to the phenomenon of light, Aaron Becker follows as light reflects off the earth to warm our faces, draws up the sea to make the rain, feeds all the things that grow, and helps to create all the brilliant wonders of the world, including ourselves.
April 14, 2019
The use of cutouts and color make the entire composition of this book a work of art.
December 18, 2020
This is a beautiful book. At 18 months old, M likes to look at the dots and touch them, but it's clearly designed for an older kid.
One to borrow again when she is older.
One to borrow again when she is older.
Read
September 26, 2025This book was so cool! When mom held the book to the light, all the colors just shined and shined! I was amazed
June 6, 2019
I was a bit underwhelmed, but this will definitely be useful in filling day care requests. Children will also enjoy holding it up to the light to see the different colors. However, the text seems a bit abstract and didn't do much for me.
April 16, 2019
This rather unusual picture is all about the power of light and it´s connection to life. The beauty of the simple text highlights the way sunlight brings dawn, which touches water, which rains and ´waters the wheat'and ´feeds the leaves´. Eventually the light touches you and me connecting all living things. What makes the book extra special is the use of die-cuts and colored plastic to highlight the various colors that the light brings to life. The book needs to be held up to the light to be fully appreciated, but it´s worth the effort. A deceptively simple, yet gorgeous reminder of the power of light to bring life.
February 25, 2021
Beautiful board book for babies & toddlers, but I'd even read it to preschoolers for the lesson: You are light! Lovely book to gift to a new baby. The translucent color circles are beautiful.
April 29, 2019
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
The gimmick of holding the book up to the light and seeing the different colors shine through was cool and my kids and I enjoyed that.
However, as a Christian, I cannot ignore the spiritual message of the book's text. I am not light! I am reflecting the light of Jesus, who is the true "light of the world" (John 8:12).
That being said... We really liked Becker's JOURNEY trilogy! (Read those with your kids instead.) And I hope to see more books like that from him in the future.
The gimmick of holding the book up to the light and seeing the different colors shine through was cool and my kids and I enjoyed that.
However, as a Christian, I cannot ignore the spiritual message of the book's text. I am not light! I am reflecting the light of Jesus, who is the true "light of the world" (John 8:12).
That being said... We really liked Becker's JOURNEY trilogy! (Read those with your kids instead.) And I hope to see more books like that from him in the future.
June 7, 2019
I entered the contest on Goodreads and won the book. It's a sweet, simple book, for ages 4-8, though I feel even younger ones will enjoy. If you read to your little ones, it's a winner, be sure to hold it up to a light or sunny window, so light shows through the colored circles.
May 25, 2019
I received this book from a Good Reads giveaway and I was delighted to see it when it arrived. The die cut circles of color that glow when held in front of a light source make me smile. The simple story of a world that is all connected and relies on each piece to stay together and grow is the story of our world. Our earth.
▪
I loved the message in this book, the simplicity, and the colors. I give it ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️. (5/5)
▪
I loved the message in this book, the simplicity, and the colors. I give it ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️. (5/5)
May 3, 2019
2.5 stars: I wanted to love this, because I love Aaron Becker and the concept of the book - the light shining through multi-colored die-cut circles - is just so cool. But the text just falls flat for me.
August 15, 2019
The rhyming message, that we are all gleaned from the same energy that spins in a continuous cycle, feeding and nurturing each other, is a simple, timeless tale. It will surely appeal to any young one and perhaps charm older readers as well.
I didn’t read the back of the book until after I’d finished it but I knew what I had to do: hold it up to the light! Each page is cunningly filled with little circles inlaid with colored plastic cels. When held up to any light source (including your computer screen), they beam with soft rainbow hues that enhance the stenciled pictures.
This is a book that is a visual and sensual indulgence, including the cut-out cover and watercolor images. It’s almost a shame to let children have it because you know it will become stained, torn and ripped by their careless hands. But perhaps the discerning child will handle this book gently, knowing that, with care its hard cardboard pages will last for the next generation to adore and appreciate.
I didn’t read the back of the book until after I’d finished it but I knew what I had to do: hold it up to the light! Each page is cunningly filled with little circles inlaid with colored plastic cels. When held up to any light source (including your computer screen), they beam with soft rainbow hues that enhance the stenciled pictures.
This is a book that is a visual and sensual indulgence, including the cut-out cover and watercolor images. It’s almost a shame to let children have it because you know it will become stained, torn and ripped by their careless hands. But perhaps the discerning child will handle this book gently, knowing that, with care its hard cardboard pages will last for the next generation to adore and appreciate.
November 5, 2019
You are Light by AaronBecker. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick, 2019. $16. 9781536201154
BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
This is a short sweet book about light using light as a stunning part of the story. The book has twelves circular holes, arranged in a circle with plastic in different colors arranged as part of the story. Readers can hold the book up to a light source and it creates a stunning effect. One of my favorite quotes about light is “It sips the sea to make the rain”.
This is a fantastic book that young readers will be drawn to simply because it so appealing and fun to play with. Teachers would use it as an intro to color and/or light. The little story about light is just wonderful with a stellar ending that parents will adore reading to their children. Already a fan of Aaron Becker, now a bigger one.
Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
This is a short sweet book about light using light as a stunning part of the story. The book has twelves circular holes, arranged in a circle with plastic in different colors arranged as part of the story. Readers can hold the book up to a light source and it creates a stunning effect. One of my favorite quotes about light is “It sips the sea to make the rain”.
This is a fantastic book that young readers will be drawn to simply because it so appealing and fun to play with. Teachers would use it as an intro to color and/or light. The little story about light is just wonderful with a stellar ending that parents will adore reading to their children. Already a fan of Aaron Becker, now a bigger one.
Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
May 21, 2019
A very beautiful book. It made a good story time book for my children as well. They loved the changing color wheel (and so did I!).
April 23, 2019
A lovely little book that’s useful for helping to introduce the concepts of light and colour to young children. I enjoyed sharing this book with my 3 year old and she loves holding the book up to the light to watch the colours illuminate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews