What Makes Us Human

January 1, 2024
Grades K-3 This lovely picture book is a UNESCO publication, and the text consists of simple statements that serve as clues to help readers figure out what the subject might be. Sample entries such as, ""I have been around for a very long time. Longer than toys, dogs, or anyone you know,"" spark curiosity and speculation. The illustrations, rendered in rich palettes of hazy, muted colors that evoke mysterious, wide-open vistas, offer visual clues through a series of busy two-page spreads, populated by characters representing an array of ethnicities and cultures. The ultimate answer, ""I am language,"" is quite satisfying, and almost every clue offers opportunities to explore different aspects of verbal communication (""Some people only have one of me. Others, two. Others, more. More of me means a more colorful and diverse world. A world with more doors you can open. And more people you can ask to help open those doors""). The detailed digital collages and varied approaches warrant multiple explorations, and the cross-curricular applications make this an appealing choice for most libraries.

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Starred review from February 1, 2024

Gr 2-6-What separates humans from all other species is the ability to speak, read, write, and hear language. With close to half of the world's languages threatened by extinction by the year 2100, this book offers some information and purpose. Done in riddle format, the story gives readers clues as to what makes language unique. Written from the unusual perspective of language's point of view, it will make readers wonder more with every turn of a page. Simple yet effective text features one or two sentences that provide clues or riddles for readers to try and guess. "I am everywhere. In every country, every city, every school, and every house." Illustrations are beautifully rendered in earthy tones that are colorful, yet calming. People featured in the book are of many different cultures and countries shown in traditional dress. Additional information at the end of the book details the importance of different languages. VERDICT Despite being brief, the profundity of the topic of language itself hits its mark. A beautiful addition to all libraries.-Tracy Cronce

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2024
Published in partnership with UNESCO, in honor of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, linguist Santos' latest considers the relationship between language and culture. "I have been around for a very long time. Longer than toys, dogs, or anyone you know." Presented as a long-form riddle, this tale is narrated by language itself, though that's not revealed until the end. The illustrations accompanying the lyrical text are striking in their texture and detail. On a spread featuring a tan-skinned person and a dog in an elevator, the text reads, "I am sure you saw me today. / Or heard me. Or felt me." Readers who look closely will notice the person holding a white mobility cane and the raised dots of braille on the elevator buttons--it's clear that language is far more than spoken words or visual text. The story's main purpose, however, is to raise awareness about disappearing languages, because "When one of me disappears, a culture may also disappear." Indigenous people are depicted throughout the narrative, but they aren't identified in the text (though a few written examples of their languages are included), which undercuts the message about preserving culture. The backmatter (which notes that about half the world's living languages will become extinct by 2100) offers more context, but the narrative's focus on general humanity keeps the book from accomplishing its stated goal of exploring the significance of protecting Indigenous people and their languages. Artful and attractive but somewhat muddled in its messaging. (author's and illustrator's note, note from UNESCO) (Picture book. 6-10)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2024
In this thought-provoking book (published in partnership with UNESCO), Santos presents an engaging version of the guessing game "What Am I?" Readers can infer from the book's title that the answer is the thing that makes us human, and the first-person text drops hints as to its identity ("I can show you love. But also hurt you") on every double-page spread, letting readers know that it is both old and new; that it is everywhere; that we can see, hear, and feel it; and that it defines a culture. What is this ubiquitous thing? It is language. This book's call for active engagement aptly celebrates the many ways of looking at a concept. Forlati's digital illustrations represent both literal and figurative interpretations of the text and beg to be re-examined by the reader. For example, the speaker -- language -- states: "When you were a baby, you hardly knew me. Over time you have gotten to know me better and better. But when you are old, you may start to forget me." The accompanying illustration depicts five stages of a child's growth -- during which time the child is knitting a sweater that grows larger, revealing a distinct pattern, one that fades as the sweater unravels and the child ages. Back matter discussing the growth, and loss, of languages and a note from UNESCO explaining the goals of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) complete this fine book. Betty Carter

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2024
In this thought-provoking book (published in partnership with UNESCO), Santos presents an engaging version of the guessing game "What Am I?" Readers can infer from the book's title that the answer is the thing that makes us human, and the first-person text drops hints as to its identity ("I can show you love. But also hurt you") on every double-page spread, letting readers know that it is both old and new; that it is everywhere; that we can see, hear, and feel it; and that it defines a culture. What is this ubiquitous thing? It is language. This book's call for active engagement aptly celebrates the many ways of looking at a concept. Forlati's digital illustrations represent both literal and figurative interpretations of the text and beg to be re-examined by the reader. For example, the speaker -- language -- states: "When you were a baby, you hardly knew me. Over time you have gotten to know me better and better. But when you are old, you may start to forget me." The accompanying illustration depicts five stages of a child's growth -- during which time the child is knitting a sweater that grows larger, revealing a distinct pattern, one that fades as the sweater unravels and the child ages. Back matter discussing the growth, and loss, of languages and a note from UNESCO explaining the goals of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) complete this fine book.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)