Copyright Date:
2022
Edition Date:
2022
Release Date:
11/08/22
Illustrator:
Paul, Robert,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
1-250-83448-1
ISBN 13:
978-1-250-83448-5
Dewey:
E
Dimensions:
21 x 26 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
School Library Journal Starred Review
(Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2022)
PreS-Gr 2— A dog's-eye view of life with his Black owner is a respectful, age-appropriate beginning to conversation about racism. Biscuit the dog loves the human—"my guy, my homie"—who saved him from the shelter, gave him a loving home, and shows him "what it means to matter." Biscuit is stumped by the reactions some people have toward his human, though; why do they grab their bags, or ignore him completely? Biscuit sees how upset and broken it makes his best friend and has some suggestions for readers on how to show his buddy, and other humans, that they matter. Richards's upbeat, informal tone is appealing and friendly; he writes emotion from the heart and introduces a brilliant way of explaining Black Lives Matter to readers. Framing the story through a pet's concern for his human invests readers in both Biscuit and his human. Paul's watercolor and pastel illustrations create friendly, expressive cartoon characters and warm backgrounds for a story filled with affection and acceptance. VERDICT Taking on an extremely sensitive subject, this is an excellent first purchase that should be read aloud, and read often.— Rosemary Kiladitis
In this picture book written by Doyin Richards and illustrated by Robert Paul Jr., You Matter to Me , a dog describes what it's like to go on walks with his Black owner and wishes that people would see his human as he does: with love. Biscuit the dog is adopted from the shelter and loves his new home and his new human family. The dad, especially, takes good care of Biscuit and is the person who walks him the most. But Biscuit soon realizes that not everyone shares his feelings about his human. His human is Black, and some people in the neighborhood are scared by that. Some people hold their purses closer, or tighten their grip on their children's hands. With honest, age-appropriate storytelling, Doyin Richards starts a conversation about racism that is more important than ever. Here is a book that should be in every home, school, and library as a reminder that everyone matters.