Go Grow Glow by Eugene Hamilton (Author) and moid kari (Illustrator)

This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here.

Tony has a big spelling test coming up. He spent the night studying hard so he’d be prepared. After getting ready for the day, he tries to squeeze in some extra studying on the school bus ride. However, the other kids on the bus are being rambunctious and want Tony to join in. When he continues to study, the other kids start to tease him and then the worst happens. Tony’s best friend blurts out a secret about Tony’s family. Instead of extending Tony kindness, the kids whisper about Tony and keep poking fun at him. Upset, Tony does poorly on the test he studied so hard for. When he goes to tell his teacher, Mrs. Washington, that he really tried to do better on the test, he ends up crying and telling her about the other kids. Mrs. Washington gives Tony a simple affirmation to live by: “Go Grow Glow.” This affirmation speaks to Tony, and he starts his next day much brighter.

Go Grow Glow by Eugene Hamilton has a refreshingly different take than many books for young kids. Many picture books focus on interpersonal dynamics. By that, I mean that many feature stories where two kids have a problem and then work to resolve it between the two of them. However, in this book, author Eugene Hamilton does not have Tony confront the friend who so cruelly shared a personal secret. Instead, Tony learns how to affirm himself so he can face the world more bravely than before. This different perspective is most welcome as people can only control their own actions.

Moid Kari’s artwork clearly shows the emotions of the characters and is easy for kids to interact with. Additionally, the emotions of the characters, especially Tony’s, are easy to read throughout the whole book. This is key as Tony’s emotions are the focus of the story.

Go Grow Glow is ultimately a story about how affirmations can improve one’s outlook as told through Tony’s experience with a friend and other classmates being mean to him. This is a different—but welcome—take on conflict resolution in a picture book. Additionally, the clear artistic style helps readers better understand the main character’s emotions and thus the meaning behind this important story.

Go Grow Glow by Eugene Hamilton (Author) and moid kari (Illustrator), The Eugene Hamilton Group