PICTURE BOOKS

I See You Sing

by Deborah Farmer Kris (text) & illus. by Jane Massey
Free Spirit. (I See You Board Books). Nov. 2025. 24p. Board $9.99. ISBN 9798885540834. Toddler-Gr 1
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Toddler-Gr 1–A child with blonde hair and green spectacles, another with two black ponytails, and a third with light tan skin and dark brown curly hair sort through the musical instruments at the library, exploring sounds. The blonde child doesn’t want to leave and stomps around. On the inevitable journey home, that child finds the music in the neighborhood, when Papa Swan honks, and when the child’s rubber ducky squeaks. Back matter includes tips for caregivers for making music accessible to young children. The book validates the child’s moods, from yelling to pouting to singing and laughing. But the narration is distant, stiff, and adult; there is no reassurance in these words, just an empty rambling excuse to get the child home and happy.
VERDICT A very mild book that is best left to home use, for one-on-one readings and perhaps further discussion about emotions.
Reviewed by Kimberly Olson Fakih , Sep 26, 2025

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