I Am Quiet

March 7, 2022
Powers’s children’s book debut begins by introducing readers to its introverted narrator, Emile, who immediately makes a clear distinction: “I am quiet. Grown-ups tell me, ‘Don’t be shy.’ But I am not shy. I AM QUIET.” Emile explains to readers that though “I am quiet on the outside... on the inside, my imagination shouts loudly and runs wild.” As Sir Emile, the armor-clad youth cavorts with fierce dragons; as a ship’s captain, “I salute the biggest whale.” Though Emile shows a quieter face externally, the child is intensely engaged with the world, proving an inventive artist as well as a close, empathic observer of nature (“I hear quiet scuttling beneath the earth”), and a good friend. And while classmates “are full of answers and ready to burst,” Emile is fine whispering answers softly inward. In unlined art, Petersen (Happy Puppy, Angry Tiger) foregrounds the tan-skinned figure atop minimalist settings, but the child’s calm, confident demeanor thwarts any impulse to project feelings of loneliness—whether readers gain energy from solo time or from a group, they will find much to admire in this book’s protagonist, who is comfortable in the world and in their skin. An author’s note concludes. Ages 3–7.

August 1, 2022
"Grown-ups tell me, Don't be shy. But I am not shy. I AM QUIET." Powers explains and advocates for introverted children in this picture book. A boy named Emile explains how wild his imagination is "on the inside," how he explores and creates "on the outside," and what it's like to be around other children at school and on the playground. This is a picture of a child who is not lonely or shy (as is assumed by most of the adults around him) but who leads a rich, full, quietly lived existence. Compelling lines like "Strength can be quiet" give readers much to ponder. Petersen's appealingly childlike illustrations bring to life Emile's world, one full of color, creatures, mazes, and discoveries. This story reassures and empowers introverted children and conveys their strengths to extroverted children and adults. It's also a much-needed counter to similar titles that encourage quieter children to adapt. In a meaningful author's note, Powers discusses being both "a former quiet kid" and the parent of a quiet child. Emile is tan-skinned and brown-haired; the other children and adults he encounters are diverse in skin tone. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A refreshing, inspiring voice for young readers. (Picture book. 4-7)

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Starred review from April 15, 2022
Grades K-2 *Starred Review* This is a book for every child who has been told by adults that they are ""shy,"" in that condescending way that implies that their way of being is a phase that needs to be outgrown. It is also a book for every adult who holds such judgement and foists it upon children. This gives us Emile, who shows that there are other forms of expression, involvement, and communication. Emile declares unequivocally, ""I am not shy, I am quiet,"" and proceeds to show us the difference. Emile has a vivid imagination that involves whimsy (trumpeting pandas), adventure (space travel), and courage (racing dinosaurs). Colorful illustrations such that a child might make provide the visual details for Emile's ""inside"" self. On the outside, the Emile that people see (but don't really) is an observant, creative child who befriends tiny creatures and walks through rain and snow listening to the sounds of nature, hearing things that unquiet people do not. Emile shows us how strength and answers and friendship can be quiet. Indeed, by the end of this gentle, meditative book, readers might want to give being quiet a try, and they will appreciate those who already are.

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