This is a <b>MUST READ</b> book, especially right now. Perfect for kids of all ages [and adults IMO], it is a very good and timely reminder that we ALL need to be a bridge, to reach out to those who are sad and lonely, to learn to listen and not speak, to not speak over others who ARE speaking, that it is okay to be alone, and that it is <b>NEVER EVER</b> okay to be a bully. It is good to be a comforter, to respect those who believe differently than you do [<i>very relevant now that prayer will be back in school - we need to remember that not everyone prays the same and we need to respect ALL forms of prayer - I love the illustration of this in the book</i>], and to work with your community to be accepting of others that are new to where you live. We ALL need this reminder right now.

Fantastically illustrated, simply written, this is an amazing book that I will be recommending to everyone I know. There is a lovely authors note at the back and a resource list on things to do to build bridges in your own life. There is also a pledge to download, print and sign, that is a commitment to be the bridge wherever you are and to adopt and adhere to the things taught in this book.

What an absolute joy to read this. I am so glad that I did.

Thank you to NetGalley, Irene Latham, Charles Waters, Nabila Adani - Illustrator, and Lerner Publishing Group/Carolrhoda Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness do I love this book!!! The messages are amazing. We need to be the change. We need to help others and do the right thing. I read this to my son and he loved it. He says that he sticks up for people when they are being bullied! He’s six.

The description below is everything. Parents, you need this book to read to your kiddo.

Book description:

“ Rhyming verse describes different ways in which readers can "be a bridge," from welcoming a new student and listening respectfully when someone else is talking to standing up to a bully and comforting a classmate who is upset.”

An authentically diverse picture book teaching kindness and helpfulness towards all. Very adorable art!

I received an electronic ARC from Lerner Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Latham offers families a beautifully illustrated book that shares ways for children to support each other. To step up and make a difference where they are. The examples offered are realistic and ones that children will understand. A great read to start the school year. Don't miss the informative text shared at the end and the Pledge included for readers of all ages to take.

THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE. I have a two year old who we just want to be a kind person and this book is full of life lessons that honestly a lot of even adults need to hear. I love the rhyming and the short to the point poetry (if you’re a parent, you get that a few words on a page is golden!) and she loved the photos. I love the message and the verbiage this book gave to us.

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy of this book, Be A Bridge.
I read this book to my daughter. She enjoyed the rainbow shoelaces on every shoe. The artwork was lovely and soft; very invitational. The rhyming scheme of the book was a little awkward, and although the point was made by the end, it was a little out of her understanding as to what being a bridge meant until the end. It did help her calm down, which was a great start. We appreciated the page that said it was okay for friends to decline an invitation, too.

The artwork is beautiful, diverse, and fun to look at! The overall message of the story (compassion/empathy/kindness/love) is a good one, too, but there were a couple parts that didn't quite sit right with me:

1. The opening lines are, "When you wake up to a world of bad news, pack up your backpack and lace up your shoes. You've got a job to do--BE A BRIDGE." This threw me off a bit, because I don't feel that it's fair to expect young children to be responsible (even a little, really) for the bad news in the world that is caused almost entirely by adults. I get the point--be nice, empathetic, caring, etc.--but I don't like the idea that it's a "job" or "duty," particularly for young children who are still developing and figuring out where they fit in the world.

2. A couple additional lines could come across a bit "shame-y" toward children who are introverted and/or have a harder time speaking up: "When someone new walks in, be the first to say hello." "If you see someone outside the circle watching others play, wave them over, invite them in." I'm sure some people will say I'm taking this too literally or that no child would feel shamed by these lines, but trust me, as an introverted person, I felt shame from these exact sort of expectations all the time growing up. Introverted, quiet, and shy people have their own place in the world and they can still be kind and make a difference even if they're not the first to approach someone.

Despite these issues, I found the book to be very sweet with a great message: "A bridge is love. And love is you! Take a chance--imagine all the good you can do."

Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for the ARC for review.

This lovely book shows us how to bridge the gap between thee and me. We can all be better people regardless of age if we apply the basics brought out here and in the Bridge Builder Pledge at the end of the book.
Nabila Adani fills the pages with meaningful illustrations which adds to the impact of this book of . All libraries need this book so we can all remember work together to create a better world together.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Lerner Publishing Group/Carolrhoda Books ® via NetGalley. Thank you!

I thought this was a very lovely way to talk about how sometimes people need help and sometimes you'll need help too, that being a bridge for someone comes in all different ways.

The illustrations are fun and bright and inclusive and so is the text, which I enjoyed.

This was such a great children's book. The illustrations were absolutely phenomenal, full of bright colors and engaging scenes. The lesson of being kind and helping to bring people together is an important one for young children to learn, especially in our current social climate. This one will be a regular in our reading rotation.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

We tell students to be kind but that can be a very ambiguous term. This book gives specific examples of how students can know when their friends need help and actual suggestions of what they can do to help. These real-life, relatable examples can help students apply what they learn in the book to their everyday life. It touches on students who might have unique needs and it highlights that all feelings are valid. The beautiful artwork enhances the book. There are also supplemental resources. Extension activities, recommended books and a student pledge students can sign are all included!

This is a beautifully written book. It should be read to children to learn about friendships and helping people. Great learning book for younger kids to read. The illustrations in This book are absolutely beautiful and colorful. The illustrations are right on point with the story and very easy to understand. A must read !!

I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review

Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for the ARC!

This is such a beautiful book in every conceivable way. The illustrative text, illustrations, vibrant colors, and the central themes of the story all come together to form a gorgeous story that anyone would be lucky to have on their bookshelves, or in their classrooms or library. The story centers around the theme of "being a bridge for others" and focuses on acts of kindness and generosity. The illustrations are engaging and vibrant, and I want to frame every page on my wall because they are just so pretty. This is a perfect addition for anyone looking for more SEL books for their kiddos, as this book practically oozes compassion, love, and positivity. Highly recommend! I can't wait to buy this for my library!

I LOVED this book. This is a book that will definitely be going in our library. Between it’s amazing message and beautifully illustrated pictures, it’s also one I’d recommend to all my friends with kiddos. I loved how diverse the children in the pictures were and I really loved how it discussed being respectful of other cultures and religions. My kiddos are too young to totally get the message but it’s NEVER too early to start instilling this mentality.

Be a Bridge is the book that is so needed right now! The inclusive illustrations and simple, yet poetically powerful phrasing give young students a powerful message on how to be part of a community. It should be required reading in all schools and homes!

Be a Bridge
by Irene Latham; Charles Waters
Pub Date 02 Aug 2022 | Archive Date 31 Jul 2022
Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Books ®
Children's Fiction | Multicultural Interest | Poetry



I am reviewing a copy of Be a Bridge through Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Books and Netgalley:


Be A Bridge is an upbeat picture book by acclaimed authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters. Be a Bridge brings the themes from their earlier collaborations (Can I Touch Your Hair? and Dictionary for a Better World) to a young audience. Rhyming verse describes different ways in which readers can "be a bridge," from welcoming a new student and listening respectfully when someone else is talking to standing up to a bully and comforting a classmate who is upset.



Nabila Adani' uses cheerful illustrations to depict a diverse group of students, including young versions of Charles and Irene.



I give Be a Bridge five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Be A Bridge is a beautiful picture book about how we can all be a better friend and neighbor to others. I love the focus on empathy and paying attention to the feelings of others as well as the emphasis on learning emotional regulation. Beautiful pictures accompany the simple text. This will be a wonderful book for promoting discussions about how we perceive and treat other people.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Be a bridge between them and us.

It’s time for school and two kids have a job to do, they need to be the bridge.
How you might ask?
It’s really simple.

A new kid in class?
Smile and say hello.

If someone is left out of an activity
wave and invite them in!

Is someone talking?
Listen and let them be heard.


Being a bridge is an act of kindness that leaves long-lasting impact on the community.
These seemingly small gestures can be the start of something life-changing. As grown-ups, we often may remember (or is it just me?) the pivotal moment when kids formed that bridge to connect us which changed our course for the better.

It may be scary to be a bridge, but sometimes courage is that first step that’s needed.

An absolutely beautiful book about empathy, kindness, and inclusion. The warm illustrations full of vibrant colors and diversity is making this a fast favorite and must-have on any bookshelf.

This book was perfect in every way. I loved the diversity, illustrations, prose, and overall message. This book emphasizes the important point that every one should be included and you should always try to relate to everyone. I especially loved the extension activities at the end which included other books to read, activities and a pledge.

Be a Bridge is an illustrated children's book that helps give children, and parents in my opinion, ways to help others feel welcome. I have read this to my daughter a few times. She enjoys the vibrant illustrations in this book. And the illustrations in this book are top notch! They are colorful, vibrant and inclusive to the diverse world we live in. They really reflect the message of the book.

This book is a must for parents and teachers who want to teach their littles inclusivity and kindness. I can't wait to see what it looks like in print! I will be looking out for this to get for my daughter once it is published!