I Did It!

September 1, 2022
A red-nosed creature wearing a green-and-purple-striped onesie attempts a series of activities: building a tall block tower, climbing a rope and a tree, catching a ball. Each try begins with optimism ("I can do it!" "Can I do it?" "I want to do it!" "I think I can do it") but ends with frustration and discouragement: "I can't do it!" Early efforts at bike riding seem similarly destined for disappointment -- but the positive difference in outcome is a product of perseverance. Although the results aren't yet mastery level, the protagonist -- with a little help from friends raccoon, robot, elephant, penguin, and alligator -- gains confidence and enjoyment without the pressure of perfection. The all-dialogue text, with just a handful of words in total, is easy to read and will give new readers, too, the self-assurance finally enjoyed by our main character. Lively cartoony illustrations with plenty of white space provide humor and relatability. The creature's emotions are on full display (e.g., when it kicks over the block tower; walking, slumped shouldered, away from an uncaught ball), making its ultimate triumph that much sweeter. Elissa Gershowitz

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from November 1, 2022

PreS-1-The thrill and trepidation of trying something new is explored in this unpanelled graphic story. A catlike critter in striped pajamas tries their hand at childhood skills like building block towers and scaling trees, resulting in frustrating failures. The critter is undeterred, or perhaps spurred to action by frustration, and riding a bicycle becomes the story's central challenge. With encouragement from their friends, the feline protagonist is fully satisfied with the results of their efforts. Emberley's illustrations wobble, march, and scale the blank pages to create a sense of movement, and the pencil-etched cast feels loved and familiar, like a well-worn collection of stuffed animals. The text is comprised of a litany of variations on the title, expressive while spare, ideal for newly independent readers. VERDICT Pairing animated, thoughtful illustrations and simple text with a story focused on determination, this book is a perfect pick for new readers, both nervous and brave.-Emilia Packard

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 14, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 *Starred Review* Perseverance pays off for an ambitious catlike critter in this I Like to Read Comics book, the recipient of the 2023 Geisel Award. Outfitted in a green- and purple-striped onesie with matching ear cozies, they approach new challenges with gusto, including building a toy block tower, climbing a rope, catching a baseball, and shinnying up a tree. Initial "I can do it!" "Can I do it?" "I want to do it!" optimism turns to "I can't do it!" frustration as attempts fail to be completely fruitful. In Emberley's energetic, unpanelled digital cartoons, the character's body language speaks volumes, from open-armed enthusiasm to tongue-sticking-out concerted concentration, to close-eyed, droopy dismay. Ever resilient, the imp spies a bicycle and wistfully wonders, "Can I try to do it?" Off to a wobbly start, early efforts fall flat, but they are able to hit their stride with a little help from pals. When personal satisfaction--instead of perfection--is the goal, everyone is pleased as punch with the process. Cleverly minimal vocabulary, simple sentences, plenty of zippy repetition, and expressive illustrations enable beginning readers to also experience the sweet thrill of success. An ideal choice to instill a can-do attitude.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from August 15, 2022
You can do it, too. An adorable creature with catlike ears, a tail, and a big red nose wants to do things! Dressed in a pink and green striped onesie (complete with matching ear covers), they set out to experience life, from building block towers to playing catch to climbing trees. But although they try their best with each new activity, they ultimately conclude that "I can't do it!" That changes, though, when it comes to riding a bike. With the support of their friends--small animals and little robots--they try, fail, but then try again. And although the first long-term ride ultimately ends in a crash, the little protagonist has gained the confidence to proudly proclaim, "I did it!" It's a quiet story but one that will speak volumes to young readers experiencing new challenges. Emberley masterfully balances colorful characters and the use of white space, keeping the focus on the action and the emotions associated with trying and failing. This title will be cherished by librarians, educators, and caregivers for its simple yet direct message but also by young readers, who will see themselves reflected in the main character. When it comes to excellent books, Emberley does it! (This book was reviewed digitally.) Joyfully encouraging--just what uncertain little ones need as they make their first forays into independence. (Picture book. 3-6)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2022
A red-nosed creature wearing a green-and-purple-striped onesie attempts a series of activities: building a tall block tower, climbing a rope and a tree, catching a ball. Each try begins with optimism ("I can do it!" "Can I do it?" "I want to do it!" "I think I can do it") but ends with frustration and discouragement: "I can't do it!" Early efforts at bike riding seem similarly destined for disappointment -- but the positive difference in outcome is a product of perseverance. Although the results aren't yet mastery level, the protagonist -- with a little help from friends raccoon, robot, elephant, penguin, and alligator -- gains confidence and enjoyment without the pressure of perfection. The all-dialogue text, with just a handful of words in total, is easy to read and will give new readers, too, the self-assurance finally enjoyed by our main character. Lively cartoony illustrations with plenty of white space provide humor and relatability. The creature's emotions are on full display (e.g., when it kicks over the block tower; walking, slumped shouldered, away from an uncaught ball), making its ultimate triumph that much sweeter.

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)