What Does It Mean to Be Safe?

September 21, 2015
In the fifth entry in the author’s What Does It Mean... series, DiOrio begins by contemplating—somewhat obscurely—what kindness is not: “Does it mean paying with something other than money? No. Does it mean being ‘sort of’ something? No!” On the other hand, examples of kind acts, which constitute the rest of the book, are clear and conventional: “Being kind means... smiling at the new student in the class... giving someone a compliment... holding the door open for someone else... sticking up for someone who is being bullied.” Jorisch (the Betty Bunny series) presents a multicultural cast of lean-bodied children supporting and caring for one another, demonstrating patience and forgiveness. It’s a sweet and non-judgmental affirmation about the happy returns that come through kind actions. Ages 4–8.

May 6, 2019
In this fifth entry in the What Does It Mean to Be series, a bright-eyed girl and her biracial parents—who are sworn in as citizens in the book’s final spread—experience and exemplify the promise of America. DiOrio and Yoran point out that being American isn’t a matter of address or appreciation of fast food and fireworks; instead, it’s about volunteering, working hard to achieve dreams, “follow the same rules,” and “appreciating that our differences make us kinder, smarter, healthier, and stronger.” Mata’s cheery vignettes have a sprightly specificity and a strong sense of human connection that lifts them above the usual patriotic depictions; her settings are both familiar (the Statue of Liberty, a redwood grove) and fresh (the wedding of a Jewish groom and an Indian bride). Noteworthy for its unabashed open-heartedness and its insistence that there is common ground. An author’s note and discussion guide are included. Ages 4–up.