Member Reviews
I love this book because it shows that quiet kids aren't all shy kids. Sometimes we like the peace and quiet.
Andie Powers has written a delightful story for the introvert in all of us with their book, I Am Quiet. Emile isn’t timid or shy. Emile is quiet. So often quiet kids are bullied and made fun of by both other children and adults. But introverts tend to think a lot and are wonderfully creative and empathetic. Rather than making the quiet kids feel bad about themselves, it might behoove more adults to listen and observe, themselves.
Disclaimer: A copy was of this book was provided by the publisher.
I absolutely loved I Am Quiet by Andie Powers! I Am Quiet teaches kids that it’s ok to be quiet and that there is nothing wrong with it. I like how the author explained how being quiet is ok and that you don’t have to be forced to talk if you don’t want to. I highly recommend this book and believe it would be a perfect read for any type of story time. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.
Introverts rejoice, here is a story just for you. Powers has crafted a tale celebrating the quiet, shy person inside of us.
Many children are shy and quiet. When they are not outgoing or social butterflies, adults can often worry or think that something is wrong. Sometimes children can wonder themselves about why they are different from other kids. But it is okay to be quiet and there is nothing wrong with it. It is a tale about embracing your inner odd duck, your own unique way of experiencing the world, and being okay with being on your own. It teaches us that quiet is okay, and that quiet is its own kind of strength.
The main character might be quiet on the outside, but on the inside, his imagination is loud and wild and vivid. He is curious and is able to see the world differently than those of us who are non-stop busy. It is a good reminder to slow down and take your time to enjoy the world around you.
Beautifully illustrated, this book is a wonderful homage to the quiet ones.
For every child that loves the quiet and loves exploration on their own, this book is for them. I wish I had had this book when I was a child - I was that odd duck that would rather be alone, reading, inside [though when I was outside, I was content to explore on my own] and dreaming my dreams and loving the stories my imagination could bring. I was not a shy child by any stretch of the imagination, though I was told that often enough [sensitivity and being an introvert are not being shy], but I didn't just love people and their intrusion [something that moved into adulthood and that I still treasure]. This is a perfect book to explain why an introvert is the way they are and how they treasure quiet and their own adventures and is perfect for those experiencing it. I loved this book and its beautiful story and illustrations and will be recommending it highly. Well done!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Andie Powers, Betsy Petersen [Illustrator], and Shambhala Publications Inc/Bala Kids for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Emile is a child who says he is not shy but quiet…quiet on the outside but not on the inside. His imagination vividly rolls through scenes of being a valiant knight, a daring ship captain, an astronaut. His outward self (although not shy) is revealed while he works and plays with the furry friends in the yard. Emile shares how his quiet ways allow him to listen, to hear, and to see things that most of us miss while we are loud and busy on both the inside and outside!
I wish this book had been around when I was a child because I, too, was QUIET. Everyone called me “shy,” but I wonder.
This is a special book reminding all readers of the beautiful person on the inside (as well as the outside) of those who are quiet.
The final page of the book is about the reality of the quiet, yet not shy, child.
The author knows this subject and this type of child well. A much needed and fine children’s book.
Emile gets it from grown-ups all the time:
𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘺.
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯.
But Emile is not shy, he is just quiet. Inside he is bursting with imagination and curiosity.
Outside he is quiet. He’s not like other kids who raise their hands, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know the answer. He’s not like other kids running around the playground, but that doesn’t mean he’s not having fun or fun to be around.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁.
𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁.
𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁.
𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁.
I knew from the opening lines, I would enjoy this book because it’s a self-reflection of myself too, as an introverted child turn introverted adult!
People are far too soon to categorize things to help them make meaning of the world and to form generalized assumptions, to try to change people who are seemingly different or think something is wrong with them.
I love this book for setting the record straight!
It’s been a while since I’ve been so struck by a book. As a fellow quiet kid turned quiet adult, I felt so seen reading this. The illustrations were beautiful, and I loved Emile as a main character. That author’s note at the end made this the easiest five stars.
Thank you #NetGalley and Shambhala Publications, Inc for the arc of 'I Am Quiet'.
A simple, sweet story of a young boy, Emile, whose introversion causes others to assume he is shy. However, Emile makes the important distinction that he is quiet, not shy. The illustrations are essential in showing Emile's rich inner life, full of imaginative worlds and deeper awareness of the details around him. In this way, the illustrations (silent, by nature) reify the quiet yet expressive experience and offer young readers an opportunity to perhaps experience a new perspective or see their own reflected.
Thanks to Netgalley and Shambhala Publications, Inc., Bala Kids for a free digital copy.
As a former quiet child, I totally relate to this book. It celebrates children who maybe mislabeled as adults as "shy" when they are really just living their own vibrant reality in their head. Adults need to read this book to help understand quiet children.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review I Am Quiet by Andie Powers.
I Am Quiet is the story of an introvert named Emile. Emile's quiet nature is often mistaken for shyness and adults often push him to "come out of his shell" and be more talkative. What they don't understand is that Emile is brave, bold, and adventurous in his own way. The illustrations do an excellent job of portraying what's going on beneath the surface as well as how those things are only visible to those that really know and care to look for them.
I Am Quiet is a great book for introverts of all ages as well as parents, caregivers, and teachers that have introverts in their life. This book is a great reminder that we are all unique in our own ways and we shouldn't push people to change just because we don't understand their uniqueness.
This is a wonderful picture book about a quiet child named Emile. Throughout the book, adults are commenting on how shy Emile is an introvert and this book shows his rich imagination. The illustrations are beautiful and the message is powerful.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!
This is a sweet little book that will appeal to parents of a quiet boy. I was a little disappointed that the activities and character of the boy were so stereotyped. I wish the author had written it in a more gender-blind fashion so that it would appeal to girls as well. As is, a little girl would wonder where she is in this book. Are girls simply expected to be quiet or is it not as much of an issue for them?
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
This is a book I would have loved to have as a child-- I loved the message, including the author's note at the end. Beautifully creative illustrations to accompany the story. Such an important book for kids of ALL personality types to read, whether it's to see someone like them and know that it's okay to be quiet-- or for more outgoing kids to understand the beauty of being quiet.
In reading books that are intended for children I am reminded of the beauty of words. One can say so much & have words carry immense weight, without needing every letter in the alphabet to align to do so. How refreshing & hopeful one is left feeling coming across a book such as this wherein the innermost child of many can be seen wandering amongst the pages.
I am quiet & so is Emile, the main character of this poetic story that follows him in detailing why he does not feel pressured to speak as others do. I do not need to write an essay formatted rationale of why it is important & valuable to have stories reflect the voices of every individual. Should you have ever found yourself humbled by the recognition that an author’s words have granted you, you have felt as I have upon reading this story.
In his life, Emile wanders silently. He is not shy, he is not unsure or confused, he is simply quiet. He has parents who reassure him that the way he lives his life is perfectly OK & that he does not need to be as others are; he is enough in all the ways which make him who he is. Emile tells the reader about all the adventures he experiences in his silence; he voyages across the vast expanse of the universe & meets entities unknown. So too does he become acquainted with many of those who are overlooked by the rapidity of speech; the quiet footsteps that Emile takes allow him to meet the creatures that inhabit our world alongside us in intimate ways.
Powers has made Emile a real representation of many of us & as a parent with a child who is quiet, & as a grown person who is so themselves, it is a welcome story we read through the peaceful transitions of happiness, hopefulness, love & wonder that Emile experiences in this short poetic book. Should you be seeking to reinforce the validity which is needed to those amongst us who are still growing, to confirm that it is OK to say nothing at all; that the way we communicate does not need to be in words but, with our presence & support & our diligence with showcasing love — this book is one you should invest in reading.
The phenomenally painted illustrations highlight the depth which the prose seeks to emit. I am simply astounded by every piece of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Shambhala Publications, Inc & Andie Powers for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I received an electronic ARC from Shambhala Publications, Inc through NetGalley.
I love how Powers makes a clear distinction between being shy and being quiet. Too often, we don't acknowledge that a child prefers quiet and that is okay. The book is told from Emile's perspective so readers see Emile's world both inside and out. The world inside is full of color and vividly imagined activities. Emile's outside world involves studying life and being fine with quietly observing.
Perfect book for readers to explore how they compare and contrast with Emile and make connections to cherishing quiet times.
This is a beautiful story about a child named Emile who is quiet, and that’s ok. Throughout the book, grownups comment on how shy or quiet Emile is, but he knows that he contains multitudes on the inside. The reader is taken through pages of beautiful pictures depicting Emile’s rich imagination and creativity.
I was a hardcore introvert for half my life, and when I was 4 I remember eating lunch when the daycare lady told a new boy that he could, “sit next to Hailey and eat lunch, but she’s shy and probably won’t say anything.” 35 years later and I still remember the sting I felt eating my PBJ in silence and feeling dismissed and utterly humiliated.
Reading this book to my twin 4 year old daughters, I was able to have a candid conversation with them about how it’s ok to be quiet. Very thankful that books like this exist 💗.
Thank you to NetGalley, Andie Powers, and Shambhala Publications, Inc. for this digital ARC.
A big thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I'm always so thankful to have these opportunities!
Today we have a book that has a 4 triquetra rating of "I really liked it." I truly love this story, as someone who was a quiet child and a preferred introvert. I can be extroverted when social norms demand it, but I'm much happier when left to my own devices.
Emile is a quiet child who has a rich inner landscape and imagination, which are often overlooked in favor of chatty, extroverted behaviors. Emile likes to pretend, and imagine, and notice the small things that you often miss when buzzing around and being super active. There is nothing wrong with being extroverted, but often being introverted is overlooked, or frowned upon as being anti-social, or quiet, or rude even. Being introverted is none of these things and this story honors that fully. I really loved it.
This story is perfect for parents of little ones who are introverted, for adults who need a story that honors their inner child, or anyone who wants to get a look at how the "other side" interacts with with world.
I love this book! Myself, my husband, and my children are all introvert neurodivergents, which makes this book very special to me. I think its important for children and adults alike to learn that being a quiet observant person is not a character flaw or something to be fixed, but just another valid personal characteristic that makes someone who they are.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I Am Quiet by Andie Powers is a wonderful children's picture book that teaches children that it's okay to be quiet. The story revolves around Emile, a young boy who is called shy and told to come out of his shell by those around him. But what the people around him don't know is that he has a rich imagination on the inside, even if it doesn't show on the outside.
Overall, I Am Quiet is a children's picture book with a message that all children need to hear. Many children are introverted, but the world continues to reward extroverts and say that there is something wrong with introverts. As an introvert myself, I would have appreciated reading this book when I was a child. I can see this book being taught in classooms everywhere. If you're intrigued by the description, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in April!