I live across the street,
In the mountains,
On the beach.
I come from everywhere.
And my name is you. No matter where they live, what they look like, who is in their families, or what they do, all children, at heart, are the same. This Sesame Street song by J. Philip Miller and Sheppard M. Greene comes to life with Paul Meisel's happy illustrations. Children from Texas, Peru, and southern France; with black hair, red hair, or yellow hair; named Jack or Amanda Sue or Kareem Abdu; rejoice in the fact that they all "sing with the same voice." Meisel paints a picture of diversity that is buoyant and beautiful. Children in their native garb, from serapes to woven vests to blue jeans, open their mouths wide in song, encouraging young readers to sing along with the accompanying CD. Meisel has illustrated many popular picture books, including Jean Craighead George's How to Talk to Your Cat and Go Away, Dog, by Joan L. Nodset. (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter
From School Library Journal
PreS-K-With bright colors and lively lyrics, this book-and-CD set breathes new life into an old favorite. The text is a song that was originally recorded by the Sesame Street house band in 1982. The themes of understanding one another's cultures and the similarities among children all over the world lend themselves to the fresh, bold cartoon-style paintings of children singing (no Muppets in sight). The illustrations range from four to a page depicting the youngsters in their different environments-"I live in southern France./I'm from a Texas ranch./I come from Mecca and Peru"-to full double-page spreads of all the youngsters in their local dress singing together. Used with the CD, this will be especially useful for those who want to add music to their picture-book and preschool programs. The catchy recording will have children (and adults) singing long after the book has been closed.-Genevieve Ceraldi, Donnell Library Center, New York
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Ages 3-6. The Sesame Street song that celebrates the oneness of us all is effectively captured in picture-book form. A multicultural array of singers cavorts through the pages as the lyrics unfold: "I live in southern France. / I'm from a Texas ranch. / I come from Mecca and Peru." The rhythms of the song (supplied in an accompanying CD) are reflected in the parade of children who dance across the page or otherwise portray the actions. Meisel's style is exuberant, whether he's using an expansive double-page spread or a more narrowly focused scene, all of which bloom with soft, chalky color. There's an infectious cheerfulness here that's right on target for a young audience. This will be especially attractive to children familiar with the song. Denise Wilms
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
“There’s an infectious cheerfulness that’s right on target for a young audience.” — ALA Booklist
“A wonderful family book.” — The News Chief
“Miller and Greene’s idealistic vision of inclusion and acceptance is one that readers can easily embrace.” — Publisher's Weekly
From the Inside Flap
This joyful Sesame Street song embraces the notion that no matter where children live, what they look like, or what they do, they're all the same where it counts -- at heart.
Paul Meisel's colorful illustrations lovingly illuminate this vital message, and the enclosed CD lets kids sing along.
--Publisher's Weekly From the Back Cover
This joyful Sesame Street song embraces the notion that no matter where children live, what they look like, or what they do, they're all the same where it counts -- at heart.
Paul Meisel's colorful illustrations lovingly illuminate this vital message, and the enclosed CD lets kids sing along.
About the Author
Paul Meisel has illustrated many books for children, including Why Are the Ice Caps Melting?, Energy Makes Things Happen, and What Happens to Our Trash? in the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. He lives in Newtown, Connecticut.
