Have I Ever Told You? by Shani King -- OPTIONAL

Have I Ever Told You? by Shani King, illustrated by Anna Horváth. PICTURE BOOK. Tilbury House Publishers, 2018. $15. 9780884487197.

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, El (K-3) -- OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In a series of questions from a parent to a young child, Have I Ever Told You? asks kids if they've heard that they are special, and loved, and can do anything they want with their lives. Other character traits are discussed as well, including being kind to all, making others laugh, and standing up for people in need.

The illustrations are lovely and interesting, and the series of questions leaves lots of room for discussion. Advanced vocabulary words such as 'entrepreneur' and 'ambassadors' may require explanations from an adult and could make it difficult for young children to read this one on their own. Because of the format -- questions from a parent to a child -- the book is not as suitable to a school classroom or library, but children could have fun checking it out and taking it home to discuss with their families.

Sydney G., Library Media Specialist, M.Ed.