Review - What Does It Mean to Be Safe?

What Does It Mean to Be Safe?
by Rana DiOrio
illustrated by Zhen Liu
Date: 2019
Publisher: Little Pickle Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 34
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley


(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is one of those kids' books that's probably best read by an adult and child together.

Rana DiOrio and Zhen Liu take us through many different ways we can be and feel safe. It's not about building walls (I like that bit!) but instead about empowerment. The text tells kids what being or feeling safe means, and the accompanying illustrations play out the words.

Aside from the adorable illustrations, though, the highlight of the book for me was the stuff at the end in which each point from the book was elaborated upon with examples. This is why I say it's probably best read with an adult and child together. Those end notes could spark some interesting discussions (and add clarity for the child) about situations that are pertinent in the child's own life.

Tackling the concepts of inclusivity, consent, and bullying (among others), What Does It Mean to Be Safe? is a strong title for teaching about personal safety, as well as the safety of others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Pickle Press for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5