Olivette Is You

March 4, 2024
Employing uplifting first-person rhymes, performer Tortorella pays tribute to every individual’s uniqueness. The verses’ speaker is a pale-skinned child whose self-assurance models empowerment: “My name is Olivette,/ And all of it is me./ I have special powers/ To be all I want to be.” From emotions and gender to clothing choices and activities, Olivette asserts the right to be, like water, “fluid” and “ever-changing.” Further lines reinforce a message of acceptance and kinship: “We are all connected,/ Part of this great big universe./ Each one made by a higher power:/
No one better, no one worse.” Kashiwagi’s animation-style digital renderings depict an
inclusive range of figural representations, including people
of varying abilities, body types, and skin tones. When a final visual presents the speaker as a spectral cloud filled with a multitude of others, it aptly reinforces the book’s positive message of oneness with the world: “I am Olivette,/ And all of it is me!// All of it is you./ And all love,/ It is you.” Includes an author’s note. Ages 4–8.

March 1, 2024
Actor/model Tortorella pens an ode to self-confidence. A wide-eyed, tan-skinned child with short brown hair leaps out of bed and declares, "My name is Olivette, / And all of it is me." Talk about self-assurance and positivity! Olivette clearly has a great sense of self already. But what the child doesn't explain, at least at first, is what all of it is. Olivette adds, "I have special powers / To be all I want to be." Readers may surmise that "all of it" refers to...well, everything in the world. Olivette embraces changing moods ("Some days I feel so happy"; "Some days I feel so grumpy"), a shifting sense of self, and different talents ("Sometimes I skate, / Or cook, / Or swim"). Olivette has an enviable self-awareness and exhorts readers to feel likewise. This gently rhyming book soon moves from an Olivette-centric focus to one about general positivity and inclusivity: "We are all connected, / Part of this great big universe. / Each one made by a higher power: No one better, no one worse." The colorful, lively digital illustrations portray great diversity, with characters varying in terms of skin color, hair color and style, age, body shape and size, ethnicity, religion, clothing choice, and physical ability. Nothing about this tale is all that original or profound, but many kids will relate. Take a cue from this assertive protagonist: Rejoice in who you are and be all you can be. (Picture book. 5-8)

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Starred review from April 1, 2024

Gr 1-4-A celebratory anthem about individuality and uniqueness through all the possibilities that reside within children and eventually adults. Olivette is a superhero of the most ordinary but important kind, emotionally insightful. She starts each day eager to embrace what life brings but recognizes that it might be a good or a bad day. Whether feeling happy or glum, "All my feelings are me." This mantra is her empowerment to celebrate all emotions and forms of expression. Her uniqueness and everyone's inner uniqueness mean diversity and inclusion are valued, not scorned. She is not restrained by traditional gender norms in her interests and hobbies but is simply herself. The overall message is one of positivity and looking at the world through enlightened eyes. Kashiwagi depicts Olivette and her world in an exaggerated cartoon style that energizes Olivette's actions in an appealing manner. There are funny "Easter eggs" in the background of almost every page to search out during repeat reads. A strong effort is made towards diversity and inclusivity with varied ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities shown. VERDICT An essential purchase to help children embrace their own uniqueness or tackle complex emotions.-Jessica A. Bushore

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