A Person Can Be…

People can be many different things all at the same time, something explored in the lovely picture book A Person Can Be…by Kerri Kokias and Carey Sookocheff.

Throughout the book, readers are reminded of all the things they can be all at the same time. In very simple, comparative text Kerri Kokias highlights all the different things we can feel or not feel, even when they seem contradictory.

The word oxymoron comes to mind when reading this simple, inspiring picture book. Kerri Kokias tells readers they can be “careful and clumsy” or “talented and shy”. We all contain multitudes and it’s important to remind readers about everything that makes them, them. This picture book is a great one to share with children when then are wondering and questioning things about themselves. After reading, children should be given an opportunity to think about all the different things about themselves that make them unique. How many contradictory statements in the book reflect themselves. Are there any other statements that they would add to the book? In simpler terms, its a great jumping off point to talk about adjectives or opposites. It’s also a quiet, reflective story to share with children when they need a fresh perspective and perhaps a little pick me up.

Carey Sookocheff’s art is beautiful and simple. Reflecting all different kinds of people in many different scenarios, her simple drawings and sweeping landscapes draw readers into the text and leave room for them to envision themselves on the pages.