  | I can open it for you Author: Yoshitake, Shinsuke | |
| Price: $21.18 | ||
Summary:
A little boy imagines all the things he will be able to open once he gets bigger, but for now he needs his parents' help.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (10/01/23)
School Library Journal (07/01/23)
Booklist (+) (12/01/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 08/08/2023 *Starred Review* Akira is small, and though he’d love to be able to open any package, jar, or box by himself, he often needs the help of an adult. The child’s frustration leads him to dream, “When I’m just a little bit bigger, I’ll start a business opening all kinds of things.” Freeing wild animals from cages, opening a locked safe, and exposing a thief by unlatching a suitcase filled with stolen jewels are just a few of ways the young boy, imagining using a magic wand, plans to open things when he’s older. Until the boy is bigger, though, his father promises to work with him to open a variety of items. Onomatopoeia plays a major role here, as the sound effects of opening a multitude of containers make up the entirety of the entertaining text on some pages. Yoshitake presents simple pictures on plain white backgrounds, allowing the cheerful colors to stand out. The bright spot illustrations will easily keep the attention of young readers. The tale ends on a high note as little Akira discovers there is something he’s able to open all by himself that brings joy to others. Young readers will empathize with his dilemma as they witness one of the frustrations of being small. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 07/01/2023 Baby-Toddler—One day while home, Akira goes to open a chocolate package. He has a hard time opening it. He feels defeated and goes to his mom to open it for him. Akira in thought begins envisioning getting older one day, where he will be able to open anything he wants. He begins imagining becoming a special person who can open anything for anyone. The illustrations depict Akira opening safes, a sewer grate to retrieve a lost key, stone age rocks; he finds dinosaur bones, stops robberies, and even opens things in space with his magical star opener. This quirky, inspiring book teaches children that they can do anything as they grow up; it also shows a beautiful loving interaction between parents and child. Yoshitake has great sense for kid-friendly comedy; in one scene, Akira comes upon a housing complex where people are sleeping or on the toilet, perhaps not expecting their doors to be opened. VERDICT A great addition to the children's collection.—Annmarie Braithwaite - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
