Words To Love By (Hardcover)

In supportive, uplifting fashion, Warren focuses on the multifaceted impact of words and being mindful of those we use with others. The straightforward, brief main text introduces concepts, which are enlivened by brightly colored cartoon illustrations incorporating examples of related words and language and featuring expressive, multicultural characters, predominantly kids, in connected activities. For instance, 'Words can show respect' depicts a boy saying, 'After you, Ma'am,' as he opens a door for a woman pushing stroller. Other scenarios highlight words for fostering inclusiveness and showing appreciation, as well as a faith-based element ('God wants you to have a heart filled with kindness and love'). Fanciful touches in the art help temper, though not undermine, some of the more cautionary assertions, such as 'Be careful with your words . . . you can't take them back,' accompanied by an image of a girl trying to scrub away the phrase 'I hate you.' With a gently emphasized Christian message at its core, this thought-provoking, motivational picture book is a nice additional to faith-based collections. -- Shelle Rosenfeld