Cover Image: Riley Can Be Anything

Riley Can Be Anything

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Member Reviews

I really enjoyed this one. It was primarily selected as a book for my children. I honestly believe that Riley is like most young children today, uncertain of his future and this he wants to do in his life. I would recommend it to others as inspiration.

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This is a short book with snappy rhyming text. In it, young Riley and a relative, Joe, imagine some of the many jobs that Riley could potentially grow up to do. The continuing refrain is that Riley can be anything. For example:

"Riley thought for a little while

And then he gave a massive smile.

"A pilot, " he said. "Now that sounds great!"

"I'm so excited. I can't wait!..."

Joe smiled and said..."Riley, you can be anything!"

The story ends at school where the students all give a thought about a future career.

This book shows children that they can dream big. For that reason, it is worth reading.

Thanks NetGalley.

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Riley is a young boy who doesn't know exactly what he want to do when he grows up, so he decides to ask his brother for help. His brother starts listing a few different jobs, from doctor to jazz musician, always repeating to Riley that he can be anything.

I liked the original plot idea, but I didn't like its execution. There were several sentences that sounded wrong, wether too bossy or invalidating Riley's feelings. When Riley mentioned that he might not want to be pilot as he might be afraid of high, his brother completely invalidated his feelings by saying: "Stop worrying!". He also summarized being a cook as "being a winner". I wish there could have been more questions asked to Riley to help him understand what he likes, instead, of having to listen to the list of what <b>exclusively male</b> family members are doing. What about female role models???

There were some rare positive reinforcement, especially when talking about music and cuisine, but overall, I didn't like the message that were delivered. I would not recommend this book.

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Amazing book with an important lesson about the importance to teach kids that they can be whatever they want!

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For young kids, the most important thing is for them to realize that they can have any career they want. Although there’s something to be said about not being in a hurry to make kids grow up and commit to a future, this book helps children see that, when the time comes, they have the potential to have any career they want. "Riley Can Be Anything" teaches children that any career can be available to them without being preachy or using a high-pressure delivery.

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Riley Can Be Anything is a sweet story about setting future career goals. I loved the illustrations. Thanks The Ella Riley Group and NetGalley for the ARC of this title for review.

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This book is about a young black boy named Riley who doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. He looks up to his cousin, so he asks him to help him decide what he wants to be. His cousin puts forth several suggestions and is very encouraging, letting him know that he can be whatever he wants to be.

I love the illustrations in this book and that the teacher of the little boy’s class, who is introduced towards the end of the book, is also black! This is a must read for black children.

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Riley's cousin Joe comes to visit and asks Riley what he wants to be when he grows up. Riley is unsure so cousin Joe tells him things members of his family are doctors, pilots, etc. Riley is still not sure. This is a great story for young children and has rhyming. It supports the idea that children can and should know they can do anything. The illustrations are cute and done well and it will hold a child's interest. I recommend it for 3-5 yr olds.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

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It's a good little book for kids. I would definitely grab it for a friend or for my kid's classroom.

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Author Davina Hamilton has created a wonderful series for children, with charming illustrations by Elena Reinoso, about the importance of family encouragement for a sweet little guy named Riley. In the newest volume, it is Cousin Joe who convinces Riley that he can be ANYTHING! Hoping for many more Riley adventures in the future! 5/5

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

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This was honestly the cutest thing ever. I loved the story and it was just so adorable. It's perfect for that child in your life, great show of diversity.

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My daughter really enjoyed reading this book. She loved the illustrations and the message of you can be whatever you dream to be. It got us into discussing what our dreams are and what we can do to realise them.

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Riley Can Be Anything is a book which I think children will love. It teaches children that can (and should) aspire to be anything. The illustrations are sweet and eye catching. After I read it to my class, they were eager to discuss what they'd like to be when they grew up. The suggestions were endless and very exciting to hear! Thanks to The Ella Riley Group and Netgalley for the ARC.

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Riley Can Be Anything by Hamilton Davina is a wonderful book and illustrations that shows children being able to see themselves in the books they read.  Riley is spending time with his older cousin Joe. Joe asks Riley what he wants to be when he grows up; however, Riley can't decide. Joe tells Riley about all the great career opportunities that others in their family have had, like chefs, musicians, or teachers. Riley really can be anything. I really liked this book about the ability for young Riley to be anything he can.Young Riley imagines and dreams of all the possibilities for his life with the help of Cousin Joe. A great story that shows that Riley is only limited by his ability to dream of big things he can do and be.

The rhyming pattern will appeal to toddler age children, but the story is complex enough and interesting enough to hold the attention of early readers and elementary students. 

I recommend this book for anyone teaching children that their dreams are only limited by themselves. 

I received this book from The Ella Riley Group and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) via NetGalley

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I'm not sure what it was but there was something about the illustrations I absolutely loved. This story encourages kids to follow their dreams and not be limited!

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While I appreciate the message of encouraging kids to dream big, I didn't find anything special about this book. I think books spreading the message of working hard and perserverance to accomplish dreams are more useful messages for kids.

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A short story about. . . well, look at the title. Cousin Joe, who’s slightly older, asks Riley what he wants to be when he grows up; Riley has no idea, so they think about it, in pictures and rhyme. Cook, musician, doctor, pilot, all are examined. The ending is a little bit of a surprise.
I appreciate how well the rhyming was, but at the same time the rhythm itself seemed off. Either the author or the illustrator has no idea what a trumpet looks like (hint: not like a sax).
The artwork is all big bold colors and simplistic shapes. Feel like this could have been done better.

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I am really in love with the story. The rhymes are adorable while Riley and his brother try to figure out what he can be when he grows up. To top it off, our main characters are POC, for those that are looking for more diverse books.

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I love the message of this book and I think the illustrations are warm and inviting. The problem I have is with the rhyming scheme- when you read it aloud it's at times a bit awkward, and there are a couple of lines that don't actually rhyme with the next like they're supposed to.

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Adorable book. I wished it had better illustrations

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