You Be You
Chitra Soundar and Sophie Bass
Walker Books

Sadly there are all too many people who are not willing to accept others who are different from themselves; equally sadly or perhaps even more so, is that a fair amount of the language used in speeches (and the press) intended to influence others in the current climate, is designed to attack those with different ideologies, to mislead or create division.

Chitra Soundar has written a lively rhyming narrative that promotes being, and celebrating being, yourself, while at the same time allowing and respecting other people’s right to be themselves, and learning to celebrate the voices of others however different they may be.

To that end she uses two voices – ‘me’ and ‘you’. Peaceful, respectful co-existence is what matters. This is very evident in Sophie Bass’s powerful illustrations especially the finale wherein diverse people are shown in and around the rainbow, which acts as a symbol of harmony.

Anybody who has ever felt categorised for one reason or another will feel empowered by the universal message Chitra and Sophie have created. Having said that, this is an important book for everybody to read and discuss be that at home or in the classroom.