Ask Yourself: What Does It Mean to BE STRONG?

Roaring Book Press, August, 2021

That's the question author Pat Zietlow Miller asked herself in writing this companion book to her NYTimes Best Selling picture book, BE KIND. In this recent related release, BE STRONG, Miller's text is again paired with gifted illustrator Jen HIll.  

Schoolmates from the original picture book return, this time featuring the voice, family, insights, and growth of Tanisha. As first person narrator, Tanisha begins with the traditional sense that strength equals muscle power. By that standard, she is NOT strong-- at least not strong enough to climb the climbing wall, or even carry her own backpack at times. 

She does have what I consider the greatest strength of all, and that is to ask questions. She adds "smarts" to her strength by going to her most trusted source, her family. 

In short but intriguingly detailed scenes, she learns from her father that being strong can mean SHOWING UP, from her mother, that strength means SPEAKING UP, and from her Grandma Zee that being strong means NEVER GIVING UP. 

I particularly appreciate the way Hill's illustrations enhance those principles, and are dense with small interactions that could each be a story of their own, yet don't distract from the main narrative. The personality of each and every character, complete with daily clothing changes (not always shown in illustrations), distinctive styles, and varied interests and needs shine through on every page, for every age. Each and every one feels as if they are fully formed individuals with stories to tell, stories I'd want to read. To tell the truth, though, the one I'd love to hear from next is Grandma Zee!

I also admire the way Miller cycles back through those three family interactions to peel back the layers and expand the truths of each bit of advice about real strength, allowing Tanisha to apply their examples to her own life.  A major bonus is when she realizes something more on her own- that it takes strength to be willing to reach out and ACCEPT help, not just offer it. There is also an implied message that being STRONG means not worrying so much about comparing ourselves to others, or what they might think about us or our choices or attributes. All this and more, without a "teacher-y" or hint of didactic tone. That perfect balance is what makes BE KIND a favorite among teachers and librarians and families, as will certainly be true for this new title.

As someone who writes picture book text, and has been working on learning and improving that craft for decades, I'll recommend that you spend some time enjoying this video interview featuring Miller and her editor for this pair of titles, Connie Hsu. 

If you aren't interested in the process behind picture book development and publication, just skip this link.  https://www.crowdcast.io/e/bestron

If you ARE interested, be aware before viewing that the process they describe is rare on two major counts. It offers a very special, seldom seen, insider look at the magic of collaboration in making the best of the best picture books. Also, the course of this creation is about the farthest thing from typical that you'll find: A best selling picture book? An editor reaching out directly with a request to write a manuscript involving a preselected basic concept (*Be KIND)? Working with the same (dream) team to produce a companion book on a different abstract concept? The percentage of picture books created in this way is vanishingly small.

Even so, the conversational exchange between this talented author and collaborative editor is inspiring and exciting to view. Pat is, like Tanisha, someone willing to ask for and accept help, who shows up, speaks up, and never EVER gives up, resulting in  a book that belongs in every classroom, library, and home.

The best way to check out if you agree with my opinion is to get it into your own hands to appreciate it fully. 

If you decide to order, Pat is willing to sign copies if you order from either of these bookstores in her area:  MYSTERY TO ME   and       A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN. Both bookstores stock many of Pat's other books, too, which makes personalized books great options for gift shopping!