This is a great recommendation for children who experience anxiety, and using music to be themselves. It was a sweet story and I loved the illustrations.

James has social anxiety and has a hard time speaking up for himself when he needs to. Music is one way James copes with his anxiety, but at school he gets in trouble for his "beats". With the encouragement of classmates, he finds his voice and his beat. This is a fun, engaging read with wisdom sprinkled in. Find your people, use your voice!

This was a sweet, relatable book about a little boy who has anxiety and how he learns to work around it. The illustrations, verse, and characters were enjoyable. I would love to read this to my boys who sometimes get overcome with shyness or nerves.

I absolutely adored this book. The depiction of anxiety will certainly connect with anyone who has ever dealt with it. I appreciate the different ways the characters were able to speak and deal with their anxiety. This is a great SEL title for any school, home, or community library.

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

I loved this look at anxiety. It's such a great way to let the beat take you away to a clamer place. I don't know how to rap but I think this book shows how it can help bring a clamness to the highly anxious.

Thank you to Netgalley, Edelweiss, and Free Spirit Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this picture book for my students. This is a sweet story that shows what happens when someone learns how to express themselves through music and rap. However, there is no set plot to help things move along. I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars

This was an interesting way to illustrate anxiety for kiddos. I'd never likened that feeling to bumblebees in the chest, but it makes sense! Lots of potential for this one to help kids process big feelings.

Such a cute story about overcoming your anxiety and finding your voice even at a young age. Children need this kind of story, I needed it when I was younger

It grew on me in a second read, and I will share this with my 9yo, because James’ story of finding his beat, how to find his space and identity are inspiring.
The themes, plot and the characters are 5/5.
Good representation.
The colour scheme is imaginative, and the art is cute 3.5 stars

James struggles at school. He has a hard time speaking up in class and around others. He has social anxiety, like me. In this wonderful story we follow along with James as he discovers that his love and talent for music and the beat help him get through his anxiety. We get to celebrate rap music and the power of music. On top of all that we learn how to discover ways we can help our little ones with anxiety. James learns to find his voice with the music he loves so much. I love the positivity of this story and how encouraging it is, especially because it uses music to do so. Music is a big part of life and my 5 year old son and 1 year old daughter relate everything through music. That made this story even more meaningful for our family. The illustrations really add to the wonder of the story with bold bright colors and relatable characters. Your family will love this story of encouragement and the power of music. Enjoy this adventure with your family.
We are so thankful to the publishers and to NetGalley for allowing us to read the ebook ARC and we can’t wait to add this one to our home collection.
1000 stars

Such a fun and entertaining book for the kids! This book provides many valuable lessons for children to carry on for the rest their lives

In this inspirational story, the narrator comes into his own through the power of music. He quells anxiety, makes new friends, and learns more about himself. Questions to discuss are including at the end.

This is a great addition to the SEL books that help kids identify and overcome anxiety (like Piper Chen Sings). The main character is likeable and relatable, and the reader is immediately on his side. Fellow student Aria emerges as a wise hero. The illustrations are vivid and skillful, whether James is being carried away by the swarm of bumblebees feeling or the glowing music is reaching out to him. Can't wait to put this on the bookshelf for young students to find. I also appreciate the back matter, both the discussion questions and the author's personal note. Thank you to Free Spirit Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

‘James Finds the Beat’ is a vibrant and rhythmic tale that takes readers on a musical journey with a young boy named James. The story is filled with energy, creativity, and important life lessons, making it an engaging and educational read for children.

Plot: ★★★★★
The plot of ‘James Finds the Beat’ is exceptional, weaving together the joy of music with valuable lessons about self-expression, perseverance, and the power of creativity. The story follows James as he discovers the rhythm in everyday life, learning to embrace his unique talents and the world around him. It’s a narrative that not only entertains but also encourages young readers to explore their own interests and passions.

Character: ★★★★★
James is a wonderfully relatable character, full of curiosity and enthusiasm. His journey of discovery resonates with readers, particularly those who are finding their own voices and talents. The characters around James add depth to the story, each contributing to the warm and supportive environment that helps James thrive.

Illustrations: ★★★★☆
The illustrations are lively and colourful, perfectly capturing the energy and movement of the story. The artwork complements the musical theme, with vibrant visuals that seem to dance off the page. The characters are depicted with warmth and expressiveness, helping to convey the emotions and excitement of the story. While the illustrations are engaging, they might benefit from even more dynamic elements to fully capture the essence of the music and rhythm central to the plot.

Engagement: ★★★★★
‘James Finds the Beat’ is highly engaging, drawing readers in with its rhythmic narrative and relatable characters. The story's pacing keeps readers hooked, while the musical theme adds an interactive element that encourages children to find their own rhythm as they read. The combination of an exciting plot and memorable characters makes it a book that children will want to revisit.

Readability: ★★★★☆
The text is clear, rhythmic, and well-suited for young readers. The language is accessible, with a flow that makes it enjoyable to read aloud. The rhythmic elements of the text are a particular highlight, adding a musicality that enhances the reading experience. While the text is mostly well-balanced with the illustrations, there are moments where the narrative rhythm could be even more pronounced to align with the story's musical theme.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
‘James Finds the Beat’ is a joyful and inspiring read that children will love. The story’s themes of music, creativity, and self-expression are delivered in a way that is both fun and meaningful. The combination of a strong plot, engaging characters, and lively illustrations ensures that readers will enjoy every moment of James's journey. However, a little more dynamism in the illustrations could elevate the overall experience even further.


‘James Finds the Beat’ by Ty Chapman is a delightful and rhythmic celebration of music, creativity, and the journey of self-discovery. It’s a story that will resonate with children and adults alike, offering a blend of entertainment and education that makes it a standout addition to any bookshelf.

I loved how this book raised topics of anxiety and really gave great descriptions and visuals for the anxiety being like a swarm of buzzing bees. The authors note at the end of the book was touching, as was the entire story. Reflection questions at the end really add value to this title and extend the discussion and reflection on topics of anxiety, nervousness and fitting in. A perfect title for the classroom or for any nervous, anxious or neurodiverse kid in your life to feel seen.

This was a cute story about finding yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. I liked how James was influenced by music. I also enjoyed how he described nervousness as busy bees. I also loved the illustration. How there were so many different races and cultures displayed on the pages.

Cute book. I like how the author discussed anxiety as an early stage. Although this is younger than my target audience I will be purchasing for friends.

Excellent book for young people
Thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity to read and enjoy this wonderful book

When you find your circle, it helps with dealing with your anxiety.

I really loved reading this book which deals with a little boy’s anxiety to speak up even when he’s right and needs to. He has difficulty with expressing himself and getting close to his classmates. However, when he finds the right people who understands him he is opening up more and gets more social.

The writing and the illustrations get along perfectly. Such a good storybook that will help the young ones dealing with similar issues.


Thank you, Free Spirit Publishing, for the ARC.

James learns that he can work through the anxiety he feels when speaking to a group by transforming the words into music and rhythm. We can all learn to work through and talk about the things that make us anxious.
The illustrations by Anastasia Magloire Williams are simple, personalized, imaginative, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Teacher Created Materials | Free Spirit Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you! Pub Date Oct 22 2024