To Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, every conversation with a child is an opportunity to teach. Whether basic life skills, kindness or career aspirations, she encourages her grandbabies and other children to be the best they can be. ThingsICanBe.com
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Praise for Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me…
If you enjoyed Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go, you’ll love Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me. Although the story features famous black women such as Michelle Obama, Serena Williams and Mariah Carey, everyone can benefit from the encouraging underlying message: You can be whatever you want to be. The realistic-looking artwork draws young children into the book and the story keeps them interested. After reading the book, why not read it again and act out the roles? Draw a picture while talking about artists, sing when discussing musicians, play a sport while talking about athletes or pretend to be a teacher. This book encourages creative play and letting children dream about what they would like to be when they grow up. All public and school libraries should have Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me.
—Barbara Fanson, Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
Cousins Samara and Lyric visit their grandmother, MeMe, for a weekend of fun and educational bonding. The young girls talk about the endless possibilities of what they could become and achieve. For every activity the girls do, MeMe inspires them with an example of a woman of color who made a difference in that art or discipline. MeMe serves as the mirror that explores African-American representation.
The thematic thread that holds this children’s book together is that you can be whatever you want to be and no one can stop you from achieving your dreams. Coleman succeeds in encouraging her young audience to dream and do. Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me is a delightful homage to growing up, imagination and a tribute to heritage.
—Vincent Dublado, Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me is a children’s educational picture book written by Valerie J. Lewis Coleman. Samara and Lyric love staying overnight with their grandmother, MeMe, who encourages the cousins to think about what they want to be when they grow up. The sky is the limit for them, and knowing that women of color are doing what they dream about makes the future seem so much closer. Coleman includes activities and links to relevant sites. She wants young girls of color to ask themselves: “What’s my goal and how am I going to reach it?” Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me is highly recommended.
—Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
