What's Special About Me, Mama?

PreS-K—A child's need to know that he or she is special is a common concern that has been addressed in various forms in picture books over the years. Here, Evans and Steptoe provide a warm and touching version, showcasing an African-American family. Evans's dialogue swings with an easy back-and-forth rhythm between a mother and her son, and Steptoe's collage illustrations, in deep rich colors, effectively position the characters, harmoniously connecting the two. In taking full advantage of the pages and spreads, the artist achieves an intimacy between the boy and his mother that melds well with the story. Hand-lettered text emphasizes the woman's words to her son—"Amazing," "Perfect," "Beautiful" in large bright colors and her answers to "What else, Mama?" connect with the child's everyday world. A heartfelt, comforting tale with the perfect ending: "Tell me AGAIN, Mama."—Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA