Name: I Am You: A Book about Ubuntu
Price: 9.89 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (1156 reviews)

Review

“[Refiloe] Moahloli’s work makes for a stunning picture book for young readers and their grown-ups that focuses on our shared sense of community…I Am You acknowledges differences children experience in who they are and the environments in which they are raised, but celebrates our shared humanity and the strength in treating other with love and respect. A recommended first purchase.” ―School Library Journal (starred review)

“An edifying, unifying picture book that’s much needed in these divisive times.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This heartwarming book, with its wonderful artwork and lyrical text, illustrates this idea beautifully.” ―Midwest Book Review

“Listening, laughing, loving, the children readily demonstrate that the collective whole is happier when each individual is valued. The illustrations use settings and images that children will understand, thereby helping them comprehend the messages of ‘to hurt you is to hurt myself’ and ‘to care for you is to care for myself’.” ―Booklist

Product Description

We may be different, but our hearts beat the same.
In southern Africa, there is a belief called ubuntu―the idea that we are all connected. No matter where we’re from or who we are, a person is a person through their connections to other people. With simple, lyrical text and charming artwork, this lively picture book first published in South Africa is the perfect introduction to the concept of ubuntu for young kids. A celebration of friendship and kindness, the book shows children the many ways that we are all one.
Revised edition: Previously published as We Are One, this edition of I Am You includes editorial revisions.

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-Moahloli's work makes for a stunning picture book for young readers and their grown-ups that focuses on our shared sense of community. The book is inspired by the Xhosa and Zulu word "ubuntu," meaning "I am, because you are," according to the publisher's note, and is "a concept of shared humanity, compassion, and oneness." Though the story is a bit didactic, a strong message of kindness and togetherness shines through the sparse text, which is ideal for reading aloud with younger readers and early independent readers. Illustrations feature a plethora of detailed digital drawings of plants, animals, and children of various skin tones and abilities awash in pink. We also see children in a variety of settings and seasons. VERDICT I Am You acknowledges differences children experience in who they are and the environments in which they are raised, but celebrates our shared humanity and the strength in treating other with love and respect. A recommended first purchase.-Monisha Blair, Glasgow M. S., Alexandria, VAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Refiloe Moahloli is a bestselling South African picture book author. She is passionate about writing stories that bring out the best in the human spirit. She spent the early part of her career in the corporate world, but an eye-opening assignment to Mumbai led her to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time writer. She currently lives and works in Johannesburg. Learn more at www.refiloemoahloli.com, and follow her on Instagram @RefiloeMoahloli.
Zinelda McDonald is an award-winning South African illustrator who lives in Wellington in the Western Cape of South Africa. She has illustrated numerous children’s books and is also a well-known designer and illustrator of children’s book covers. Awards for her work include the Alba Bouwer Prize and the Exclusive Books IBBY SA Award. Follow her on Instagram @Zinelda.

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