This is a Children's book that I read to my twin boys. I loved the message in this book, and I loved that the kid in this book kept trying to get it. The pictures were so cute and fun. I loved this book so much, and my boys enjoyed it as well. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

"Touch the Sky" by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic is a delightful children's book that captures the universal experience of learning something new and the joy of overcoming challenges with determination and a little help from friends. Through the endearing character of Vern, young readers are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and perseverance.

The story follows Vern, a young boy who dreams of soaring high on the swings like the other kids. Despite his best efforts, Vern struggles to pump his legs and achieve the exhilarating feeling of touching the sky. However, a chance encounter with the precocious and hilarious Gretchen provides Vern with the encouragement and guidance he needs to finally learn to soar.

Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic's storytelling is both charming and relatable, capturing the frustration and determination of a child on the cusp of mastering a new skill. Through Vern's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of resilience and the value of seeking help when faced with challenges.

The illustrations in "Touch the Sky" are vibrant and expressive, bringing Vern's world to life with warmth and humor. Each page is filled with playful details and whimsical characters, enhancing the storytelling experience and inviting readers to immerse themselves in Vern's adventures.

What sets "Touch the Sky" apart is its uplifting message of empowerment and the power of friendship. As Vern learns to overcome his fear and frustration, he discovers that with perseverance and support, anything is possible. The book serves as a reminder to young readers that they are capable of achieving their dreams with determination and a little encouragement from those around them.

Overall, "Touch the Sky" is a heartwarming and inspiring story that will resonate with children on the cusp of learning something new. With its timeless themes and engaging storytelling, this book is sure to captivate readers and leave them feeling uplifted and empowered. Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic has crafted a truly memorable tale that celebrates the joy of perseverance and the thrill of reaching new heights.

The cover of this book is what drew me to it, and the inside images matched. It is overall colorful and engaging for the reader. I loved following the main character, Vern, as he learns to pump his legs to swing on his own. It also has a nice, positive ending and overall message about resilience and learning new skills. It is a great story overall.

Fantastically colorful book with great illustrations and story. Join along as Vern and Gretchen take you on a ride and you might learn something new. If you are looking to read a fun book that will make you laugh, then this book is the one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

As a teacher, my students will enjoy reading this book as the main message is trying and trying again. This book has such a sweet message that children will gravitate towards. I will definitely be purchasing for my classroom when published!

This delightful and inspirational children's book is full of color and descriptive language. Children will adore this book, inspiring them to try new things, and work hard even when no one is watching.

The illustrations are so BIG and have such color and movement! I can see many story tellers having a ball with this one. The message is easy and applicable to all- don't give up, sometimes things are tough to learn, but you got it! And I really loved seeing the main character be able to pass along the lesson as well, the book wasn't just a full stop at their learning.

I read this to my 7 and 4 year old! They loved it! At the end my son responded with "aww how sweet." I think that the message for this book was wonderful. All children can benefit from encouragement to keep trying for their goals and it was modeled in such a good way. I will be recommending this book to my family and friends who have small children.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was such a sweet story about hope, making a new friend, and the power of encouragement. Then passing it on. The illustrations were whimsical and heart warming. I was blessed with a free ARC, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

This was a cute story about friendship and determination.Vern was unable to pump while swinging so other kids made fun of him.A girl decided to help .Vern tried and tried til she had to go home .He thought about giving up but he did not do it.After he finally got it he was able to show another kid how to pump.

This book is wonderful visually. I felt like the words were a bit forced, and often took away from the illustrations which are themselves very engaging. I love the idea of this story, but feel like it has some rough edges left to sand out. The book follows a child who wants to swing but doesn't know how; their friend Gretchen empathizes by talking about how hard it can be to learn something new, and shares the secret to swinging! But even knowing all the steps, learning new things can take time and practice. Once you've figured it out though, there is the great joy of being able to help someone else learn too. All of that is absolutely amazing, the essence of the story and the illustrations are why I give it 4 stars. The specific wording is why it is not five.

Vibrant. This sweet book is full of bright colors and energy. Every child loves to go to a playground and swings are a favorite activity. The lively colors in the illustrations will also inspire children to try this art style!

Thank you NetGalley for a review copy

A cute idea for a story, but didn't particularly love it. Good message on not giving up and bringing others along.

An adorable, hilarious, and fun read with incredible, colorful art, this is sure to become a modern classic.

The cover of this book is stunning and we downloaded it just because of the cover. To my surprise, the inside was a lesson we have been teaching Ollie! This one is about never giving up and to keep going.

I loved the illustrations so much. They are stunning on every page! This book is about never giving up but also helping others. Vern just wants to touch the sky when he's swinging. You know that feeling, it's the best! Oliver has been trying to learn to do the same thing. I was really excited that I could immediately apply it to real life. One of the best things about this was that a girl on another swing helped teach Vern how to pump those legs. When we were finished, Oliver said that he wanted to do the same thing and teach others too. Great lesson!

Not only is this gorgeous but the messages are great! Not only do we not give up, but it's great to help others. The fact that my kid got it right away was very cool to see. Books are the best!

Many thanks to Lerner Publishing Group and Netgalley for an e-ARC. All thoughts an opinions are my own.

Vern and his new friend, Gretchen, are witty and adorable as they work together to help Vern learn something new. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging, evoking a sense of movement and interaction. Action words fill the pages making this book an excellent choice for young children. My daughter is eight and she enjoyed this story. Throughout the book, she was excited to share her own ideas on how to help Vern.

Every once in a while I will request a picture book on netgalley with the intention of buying them for my niece and nephew. This book was adorable. It would be perfect for my 7-year-old nephew and I will definitely be getting a copy.

Not only is the story about learning to swing and perseverance really heartwarming, but the artwork is phenomenal as is the simple representation of having a boy with long hair. It shouldn't be revolutionary representation in children's books but it kind of is still. I know my nephew will really get a kick out of it since his hair ends up longer most of the time.

The general artwork is also great anda beautiful rainbow spectrum almost prism style illustration. I definitely think this should be in younger elementary classrooms and if you've got some kiddos in your life this is a great one to have on hand.

Vern wants nothing more than to be able to pump his legs on the swing and touch the sky just like the other kids. It is so hard that he almost gives up, but he changes his mind after another kid on the playground, Gretchen, helps and inspires him to learn how to swing.

Touch the Sky is a wonderful and motivational story that teaches children the importance of not giving up as well as learning to help others. I definitely recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Books for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publishing May 7, 2024

i loved this book so much. i am a kindergarten student teacher and a daycare worker. my daycare kids sometimes struggle with swinging. this book would make such a great lesson of learning how to swing. the words are easy to understand and the pictures at to the understanding of the book. will most definitely be purchasing when this comes out.

The illustrations are so whimsical and fun! I think most children can relate to this experience of learning how to pump your legs on the swings for the first time. This would be great for kids going into Kindergarten, needing to learn how to do this on their own, without an adult's help. It's also just a great lesson in both not giving up and helping others. I still remember the feeling of "touching the sky" and feeling like I'm flying on the swings.