Publishers Weekly
05/25/2020
“Purple is a magic color made when red and blue work together,” writes actor Bell and creative director Hart. Though those too young to know what the hues stand for on the U.S. political map may be a little puzzled by this asserted binary, the authors forge ahead with their kid narrator Penny, an expert and guide to living the purple life. She offers pointers that include being open and curious about the world (“My dad says PURPLE people ask great questions”), making time to laugh (“at donkey dances and hairy elephant knees”), and getting involved (“PURPLE work is the kind of work that’s done together to change something that needs changing”). Vignette cartoons by Wiseman (My Brother the Duck) portray Penny’s interactions with good-natured grown-ups (she and Grandma giggle over a booger joke) and eager school friends (who use their voices to agitate for more playgrounds); the straightforward images are cheery and bright, with few details or asides that invite lingering. Though the political message may fly under the radar, this book serves as a pep talk for contentious times by caring adults who want a nicer world—and that is no small thing. Ages 3–7. (June)
From the Publisher
A plethora of broad smiles and wide-open mouths crank up the visual energy—and if the earnest overall tone doesn’t snag the attention of young audiences, a grossly literal view of the young narrator and a grandparent 'snot-out-our-nose laughing' should do the trick.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This book serves as a pep talk for contentious times by caring adults who want a nicer world—and that is no small thing.” —Publishers Weekly
“The message is inspiring: Ask questions, advocate for positive change, and have fun while collaborating with members of your family and community.” —School Library Journal
School Library Journal
06/01/2020
Gr 2–5—This book answers a question you never knew you had: What is a purple person? The answer isn't in skin tone or clothing choice, but in personality. A "purple person" is someone who is kind, curious, and silly. Purple is made when red and blue work together. Is this a subtle political allegory for the elementary school set? Penny, the book's young narrator, looks like she may have been modeled off a young Bell, the actress and author of this title, and her classmates are a diverse group. All of the bright illustrations are populated with smiles, laughter, and rainbows. Penny engages in enjoyable activities, like wearing a monster costume to school and helping her grandfather water strawberry bushes. VERDICT Bell and Hart appear to have created the concept of "purple people" for this book, and although the label is nonsensical, the message is inspiring: Ask questions, advocate for positive change, and have fun while collaborating with members of your family and community.—Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill P.L., MA
Kirkus Reviews
2020-06-03
A monohued tally of positive character traits.
Purple is a “magic color,” affirm the authors (both actors, though Hart’s name recognition is nowhere near the level of Bell’s), and “purple people” are the sort who ask questions, laugh wholeheartedly, work hard, freely voice feelings and opinions, help those who might “lose” their own voices in the face of unkindness, and, in sum, can “JUST BE (the real) YOU.” Unlike the obsessive protagonist of Victoria Kann’s Pinkalicious franchise, being a purple person has “nothing to do with what you look like”—a point that Wiseman underscores with scenes of exuberantly posed cartoon figures (including versions of the authors) in casual North American attire but sporting a wide range of ages, skin hues, and body types. A crowded playground at the close (no social distancing here) displays all this wholesome behavior in action. Plenty of purple highlights, plus a plethora of broad smiles and wide-open mouths, crank up the visual energy—and if the earnest overall tone doesn’t snag the attention of young audiences, a grossly literal view of the young narrator and a grandparent “snot-out-our-nose laughing” should do the trick. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.4-by-20.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 22.2% of actual size.)
The buoyant uplift seems a bit pre-packaged but spot-on nonetheless. (Picture book. 6-8)
